Percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization of inferior pancreatico-duodenal artery aneurysms associated with celiac artery stenosis or occlusion

Objectives: To report our experience with percutaneous TAE of true IPDA aneurysms. Background: Most IPDA aneurysms are ruptured at presentation causing a high mortality risk. Minimally invasive treatment approaches may improve overall outcomes in such patients. Methods: Between 1996 and 2007, seven patients (5 Males; mean age 55y) with symptomatic IPDA aneurysms and severe degree (>75%) celiac artery stenosis were treated with percutaneous TAE. The medical and imaging records were reviewed for demographics, clinical presentation, treatment, complications and follow-up. Patients presented with epigastric pain (7/7), hemodynamic shock (2/7) and rectal bleeding (2/7). Selective catheter angiography was performed in all patients with the intent to embolize the aneurysms. Results: A total of nine aneurysms were seen in seven patients. Two patients had two aneurysms each. The aneurysms ranged in size from 0.5 to 4.0 cm (mean 1.9 cm). Trans-catheter coil embolization was successful in 8/9 (89%) aneurysms in 6 patients. Following unsuccessful TAE of one aneurysm in one of the patient, the aneurysm was treated successfully with direct CT-guided percutaneous transabdominal injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. There were no complications on follow up. Angioplasty and stenting of the celiac artery were performed in one patient for complete occlusion. None of the patients developed clinical or imaging evidence of visceral ischemia following embolization. None had recurrent symptoms during clinical follow-up (median 3 years, range 0.5-13.5 years). Follow-up CT (Median 6.6 months, range 4 days-11.5 years) in all patients showed no recurrence of the aneurysm. Conclusion: IPDA aneurysms associated with celiac axis stenosis can be successfully treated with percutaneous embolization with minimal recurrence.