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DOI:10.2214/AJR.07.2210
AJR 2007; 189:641-647
© American Roentgen Ray Society


Perspective

MDCT and 3D CT Angiography of Splanchnic Artery Aneurysms

Karen M. Horton1, Christopher Smith1 and Elliot K. Fishman1

1 All authors: The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 601 N Caroline St., Rm. 3253, Baltimore, MD 21287.

Received December 6, 2006; accepted after revision March 28, 2007.

Address correspondence to K. M. Horton.

CME

This article is available for CME credit. See www.arrs.org for more information.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article is to review our experience with the use of MDCT and 3D imaging in the detection and management of patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic splanchnic artery aneurysms.

CONCLUSION. Although splanchnic artery aneurysms are relatively rare, they are being diagnosed with increased frequency given the widespread availability of MDCT and 3D imaging capabilities. It is important that these aneurysms be diagnosed accurately because they can carry a high morbidity and mortality, even in asymptomatic patients.

Keywords: aneurysm • angiography • CT • mesenteric vasculature • 3D imaging

Splanchnic artery aneurysms are rare, with an incidence of 0.01–0.2% in routine autopsies [1]. The distribution of aneurysms is as follows: splenic artery, 60%; hepatic artery, 20%; superior mesenteric artery, 5.5%; celiac artery, 4%; pancreatic arteries, 2%; and gastroduodenal artery, 1.5% [2, 3].

Splanchnic artery aneurysms are clinically significant and can rupture, causing abdominal pain and bleeding. Rupture is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality [46]. These autopsy statistics suggest that asymptomatic cases largely remain undiagnosed. Therefore, splanchnic artery aneurysms may be more common than previously suspected.

Splanchnic artery aneurysms were traditionally diagnosed with catheter angiography. However, with increased use of noninvasive cross-sectional imaging with MR and CT, both of which allow 3D imaging of the aorta and its branches, these aneurysms may be detected with greater frequency and in asymptomatic patients [6]. The treatment depends on the location, type, and size of the aneurysm and the medical condition of the patient [6].

This article will focus on our experience with the use of MDCT and 3D imaging in the detection and management of patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic splanchnic artery aneurysms.

MDCT and CT Angiography Technique

CT has undergone considerable improvement over the past several years. The introduction of 64-MDCT now allows submillimeter imaging and the creation of isotropic data sets. This, along with significant advancements in 3D imaging software, now makes it possible to obtain high-resolution images of the abdominal aorta and its branches. In the past, patients with suspected vascular disease and aneurysms would need conventional angiography. However, today CT can be used initially as a primary vascular imaging technique.

If a splanchnic artery aneurysm is suspected clinically, a dedicated examination of the abdominal aorta and its branches should be performed. At our institution, approximately 120 mL of nonionic IV contrast material is injected at a rapid rate of 3–5 mL/s through a large-caliber peripheral catheter. Arterial phase images are obtained approximately 30 seconds after the start of the injection. Venous phase images may also be helpful in selected cases and can be acquired approximately 60 seconds after the start of the injection. This dual-phase imaging allows excellent visualization of the splanchnic arteries and veins.

Thin collimation is essential to maintain high resolution in all imaging planes. At this time, we use our 64-MDCT scanner and the 0.6-mm collimator setting. This allows creation of 0.75-mm slices that are reconstructed every 0.5 mm for 3D imaging. Because of the complexity of the mesenteric vasculature, multiplanar reconstruction and preferably volume-rendered 3D imaging are necessary to completely visualize all of the branches. The choice of the 3D rendering algorithm is crucial in this clinical setting. There are currently three main rendering algorithms available: shaded surface, volume rendering, and maximum intensity projection (MIP). Shaded-surface rendering is the most basic algorithm but is of limited value for evaluating the abdominal vasculature. Shaded-surface rendering only allows visualization of the surface of the aneurysm and therefore includes no information about intraluminal thrombus. MIP is a projection algorithm that displays the brightest voxel along a ray. It can be useful to accentuate small vessels but requires either thin slabs or extensive bone editing. Volume rendering allows the brightness, opacity, window width, and level to be adjusted in real time to accentuate either the wall of the aneurysm, the intraluminal contrast, or adjacent soft tissues. Therefore, usually a combination of volume rendering and MIP is the most valuable for this clinical indication. Also, current software allows easy bone removal, which is especially helpful when using MIP.


Figure 1
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Fig. 1A 54-year-old woman with history of autoimmune hepatitis. Axial contrast-enhanced MDCT image shows 1.8-cm aneurysm (arrow) arising from splenic artery.

 


Figure 2
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Fig. 1B 54-year-old woman with history of autoimmune hepatitis. Axial oblique maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) image shows aneurysm (arrow) arising from distal splenic artery. Narrow neck of aneurysm is nicely displayed, which is important in planning therapy.

 


Figure 3
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Fig. 2A 45-year-old man who presented for evaluation of acute back pain and underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Patient had remote history of pancreatitis. Axial image shows 2.0-cm splenic artery pseudoaneurysm (arrow). There was also small amount of associated hemorrhage (not shown).

 


Figure 4
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Fig. 2B 45-year-old man who presented for evaluation of acute back pain and underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Patient had remote history of pancreatitis. Coronal maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) image after bone removal nicely depicts 2.0-cm pseudoaneurysm (arrow) arising from splenic artery.

 
Because the splanchnic vasculature is complicated, it is usually necessary to use a variety of imaging planes. For visualization of the proximal portion of the celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery, usually a sagittal projection is most helpful. However, to adequately visualize the complicated vascular branching of these vessels, usually coronal or coronal oblique planes are needed [7]. This can be performed easily in real time using the new advanced 3D imaging software. Comprehensive 3D evaluation of the arteries and veins can usually be performed in 5 minutes. At our institution, the radiologists perform the postprocessing themselves.

Splanchnic Artery Aneurysms

The splenic artery is the most common location for splanchnic artery aneurysms, accounting for up to 60% of cases. Splenic artery aneurysms (Figs. 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, and 3C) are also the third most common intraabdominal aneurysm after aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries [8, 9]. Although once thought to be relatively rare, splenic artery aneurysms are being diagnosed with greater frequency, likely related to the increasing routine use of cross-sectional imaging examinations [2]. The true prevalence is not known and estimates vary from 0.2% to 10.4% [1, 10].


Figure 5
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Fig. 3A 64-year-old woman with history of congestive heart failure who underwent contrast-enhanced CT for evaluation of abdominal pain. Axial contrast-enhanced MDCT image shows 1.8-cm aneurysm (arrow) with calcified rim arising from splenic artery.

 

Figure 6
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Fig. 3B 64-year-old woman with history of congestive heart failure who underwent contrast-enhanced CT for evaluation of abdominal pain. Three-dimensional volume-rendered image clearly depicts aneurysm (arrow).

 

Figure 7
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Fig. 3C 64-year-old woman with history of congestive heart failure who underwent contrast-enhanced CT for evaluation of abdominal pain. Coronal maximum-intensity-projection (MIP) image shows calcified nature of splenic aneurysm (arrow) but fails to define residual contrast-filled lumen.

 
Splenic artery aneurysms are up to four times more common in women than in men [11]. In women, there is a definite association between splenic artery aneurysms, pregnancy, and multiparity [12]. Although splenic artery aneurysms are more common in women, they are more likely to rupture in men [11]. The exact cause of splenic artery aneurysms is still unknown. It is not thought to be a result of atherosclerotic disease, although atherosclerosis may be present as a secondary process [2, 9]. Most splenic artery aneurysms are true aneurysms, meaning they contain all the normal layers of the vessel wall.

Most true splenic artery aneurysms are asymptomatic and are diagnosed incidentally on cross-sectional imaging studies [11]. However, the risk of rupture is estimated to be between 2% and 3% [9, 13]. The risk of rupture increases with pregnancy, with portal hypertension, and after liver transplantation [14]. Most asymptomatic patients with aneurysms of less than 2 cm do well without intervention. Symptomatic aneurysms usually present acutely with pain, bleeding, and hypotension. Symptomatic splenic artery aneurysms are treated with either surgical repair or transcatheter embolization [11]. In addition, the literature supports the treatment of asymptomatic splenic artery aneurysms of more than 2 cm in patients with acceptable operative risks and in patients whose life expectancies are greater than 2 years [9, 11].


Figure 8
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Fig. 4A 73-year-old man with long medical history and multiple medical problems who presented for evaluation of abdominal pain and underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Coronal CT image shows large 8.0-cm aneurysm arising from hepatic artery that partially fills with contrast material. In addition, aneurysm is partially thrombosed and has associated rim of calcification.

 


Figure 9
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Fig. 4B 73-year-old man with long medical history and multiple medical problems who presented for evaluation of abdominal pain and underwent contrast-enhanced CT. Coronal volume-rendered image again shows large hepatic artery aneurysm and better defines its relationship with hepatic artery (arrow).

 
Indications for intervention include the presence of symptoms, pregnancy, or planning to become pregnant. Other indications include increasing size of the aneurysm or diameter greater than 2 cm. The risk of elective removal or resection is extremely low and has minimal morbidity. In most cases, the spleen can be preserved. Splenectomy is only necessary for aneurysms found in the hilum of the spleen or during emergency situations.

Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are histologically different and are typically the result of pancreatitis, trauma, surgery, or peptic ulcer disease [15]. These aneurysms do not have the normal layers of the vascular wall and are therefore more fragile. Most are reported as a complication of pancreatitis and are thought to result from destruction of the vessel wall by pancreatic enzymes [16]. Patients with splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are usually symptomatic, with abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, or hemorrhagic pancreatitis. The risk of rupture is higher than with true splenic artery aneurysms and is estimated to be higher than 35% in some series [17, 18]. Mortality is extremely high, as high as 90% if left untreated [18]. Due to the high risk of rupture of splenic pseudoaneurysms, early intervention is essential. Traditionally, it consisted of surgery. However, recently there have been reported successes with endovascular coils, balloons, particles and gelatin foam, and percutaneous thrombin injections [18].

Hepatic Artery Aneurysms

Hepatic artery aneurysms (Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, and 5C) have historically represented approximately 20% of all splanchnic artery aneurysms [2, 3]. A review of the literature from 1985 to 1995 suggests that hepatic artery aneurysms are more common than previously thought and could represent up to 40% of splanchnic artery aneurysms [19]. This increased incidence is thought to be related to the increasing use of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the liver and biliary tree, which can result in the development of intrahepatic artery pseudoaneurysms [19]. Hepatic artery aneurysms occur more frequently in men than in women [3].


Figure 10
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Fig. 5A 60-year-old man with long history of hepatitis C. Axial CT image shows 1.6-cm aneurysm (arrow) of common hepatic artery.

 

Figure 11
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Fig. 5B 60-year-old man with long history of hepatitis C. Three-dimensional axial oblique volume-rendered coronal image shows aneurysm (arrow) with wide neck.

 

Figure 12
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Fig. 5C 60-year-old man with long history of hepatitis C. Coronal oblique volume-rendered image again shows hepatic artery aneurysm (arrow).

 

Most patients with hepatic artery aneurysms are asymptomatic until rupture; therefore, it is extremely important to be able to identify these lesions on cross-sectional imaging studies [20]. Symptoms include abdominal pain, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and hemobilia. The most common pathologic finding is medial degeneration, although secondary atherosclerosis is present in 30% of cases [21]. The risk factors for rupture are difficult to define, and the literature varies in the rate of rupture risk between 20% and 80% [3, 2224]. After rupture, there is a high mortality rate.

Treatment of hepatic artery aneurysms varies. Historically, they have been treated surgically, although more recently, endovascular techniques have become more frequent. The size, morphology, and location of the aneurysm can help guide treatment [20]. For example, intrahepatic lesions can be embolized with coils, microspheres, or glue. At the level of the common hepatic artery, embolization or surgical ligation can be performed. Often, identification of involvement of the gastroduodenal artery is important. For example, if the aneurysm involves the origin of the gastroduodenal artery, surgery may be easier than a percutaneous approach. Saccular aneurysms with a good neck can be treated with embolization. Saccular or fusiform aneurysms without a good neck require surgical intervention.

Diagnosis of perihepatic aneurysms can be made with CT or MRI, including 3D imaging. Doppler sonography has also been used for diagnosis and follow-up of these patients [2].

Superior Mesenteric Artery Aneurysms

Superior mesenteric artery aneurysms (Figs. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, and 7B) are the third most common type of splanchnic artery aneurysms, accounting for approximately 5.5% [3]. Most aneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery occur within the proximal segment, usually within the first 5 cm from the origin and can be either saccular or fusiform [3]. Again, these aneurysms can be classified as true aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms. True aneurysms are less common than pseudoaneurysms.


Figure 13
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Fig. 6A 58-year-old man with history of superior mesenteric artery dissection with repair by stent placement. Patient underwent contrast-enhanced CT for follow-up of dissection and stent repair. Axial oblique multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) image clearly shows large 5.0-cm pseudoaneurysm arising immediately distal to stent in superior mesenteric artery. Pseudoaneurysm is partially thrombosed and also contains thin rim of calcification.

 

Figure 14
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Fig. 6B 58-year-old man with history of superior mesenteric artery dissection with repair by stent placement. Patient underwent contrast-enhanced CT for follow-up of dissection and stent repair. Coronal MPR image shows large partially thrombosed superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm.

 

Figure 15
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Fig. 6C 58-year-old man with history of superior mesenteric artery dissection with repair by stent placement. Patient underwent contrast-enhanced CT for follow-up of dissection and stent repair. Three-dimensional sagittal volume-rendered image shows superior mesenteric artery stent and contrast-filled lumen of pseudoaneurysm arising from false lumen of superior mesenteric artery dissection. Larger surrounding thrombus within aneurysm is not seen.

 

Figure 16
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Fig. 7A 49-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain and underwent contrast-enhanced CT for evaluation. Axial contrast-enhanced MDCT image shows partially thrombosed aneurysm (arrow) arising from mid to distal portion of superior mesenteric artery.

 

Figure 17
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Fig. 7B 49-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain and underwent contrast-enhanced CT for evaluation. Coronal volume-rendered CT angiography image better defines location of aneurysm (arrow) in mid to distal superior mesenteric artery. Also seen is focal extension of contrast material, likely into thrombus. This was thought to be suggestive of vasculitis and patient improved symptomatically after treatment with steroids.

 
Endocarditis is thought to be the main cause for the development of up to 33% of superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysms. Other causes have been proposed, including atherosclerotic disease or pancreatitis. Most pseudoaneurysms are detected in symptomatic patients who present with pain. Complications include mesenteric ischemia, thrombosis of the superior mesenteric artery, or rupture causing massive and often fatal hemorrhage. True superior mesenteric artery aneurysms are less common than pseudoaneurysms and are likely related to atherosclerotic disease or connective tissue diseases.

In the past, treatment consisted of surgical ligation after sufficient collateral vessels had been defined [3]. More recently, transcatheter embolization of the superior mesenteric artery aneurysm has been used, especially in the saccular variant or in aneurysms of the first branch of the superior mesenteric artery in which adequate collateral vessels are present. Stent-graft placement has also been used to treat patients with superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysms [25].

CT angiography plays an important role in diagnosing these patients because not only can it detect the presence of the aneurysm, but it can also provide vascular maps for defining adequate collateral flow before surgical or percutaneous treatment is attempted.

Celiac Artery Aneurysms

Celiac artery aneurysms (Figs. 8A and 8B) are rare, accounting for only approximately 4% of splanchnic aneurysms. Celiac artery aneurysm was first described at autopsy in 1830. The diagnosis of celiac artery aneurysm has increased, most likely related to advancements in diagnostic imaging techniques [1, 26, 27]. Celiac artery aneurysms typically occur in the sixth decade of life [3]. The risk of rupture is reported to be 13%, and after rupture, the mortality rate is up to almost 100% [1, 5, 19].


Figure 18
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Fig. 8A 61-year-old man with history of bladder cancer who underwent CT for further evaluation of possible lesion in left kidney suggested on prior excretory urography. Three-dimensional sagittal volume-rendered image further shows celiac artery aneurysm (arrow).

 

Figure 19
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Fig. 8B 61-year-old man with history of bladder cancer who underwent CT for further evaluation of possible lesion in left kidney suggested on prior excretory urography. Three-dimensional volume-rendered axial image viewed from superior perspective shows celiac artery aneurysm and also clearly depicts relationship of aneurysm with celiac arterial branches.

 
The most common cause of celiac artery aneurysm is thought to be medial degeneration, although atherosclerotic disease has also been found in up to 30% of patients [28]. Traumatic causes and mycotic infection (tuberculosis and syphilis) have been reported but are exceedingly rare [5, 29]. The diagnosis is being made more frequently in asymptomatic patients. However, when patients are symptomatic, they typically present with abdominal pain and signs of impending rupture [21, 28]. In patients with rupture, gastrointestinal or intraabdominal bleeding is common.

Elective repair of detected celiac artery aneurysm decreases the mortality rate to 5% [27]. Surgical repair is indicated for symptomatic aneurysms, aneurysms larger than 3 cm, or in patients in whom the aneurysm is enlarging rapidly [30].

Pancreaticoduodenal Artery Aneurysms

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (Figs. 9A and 9B) are uncommon, usually representing approximately 2% of all visceral artery aneurysms [2, 3]. The exact incidence is difficult to determine because the literature sometimes confuses both true pancreatic duodenal artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the pancreatic duodenal artery related to adjacent inflammation, most commonly pancreatitis. In a study of true pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms by Moore et al. [31], a male prominence was noted.


Figure 20
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Fig. 9A 61-year-old man with history of recent lumbar spinal surgery who presented with signs of intraperitoneal hemorrhage and pancreatitis. Axial contrast-enhanced MDCT image shows 4 x 4 cm pseudoaneurysm in region of pancreas. There is contrast opacification of residual 1.2 x 0.8 cm lumen.

 

Figure 21
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Fig. 9B 61-year-old man with history of recent lumbar spinal surgery who presented with signs of intraperitoneal hemorrhage and pancreatitis. Coronal volume-rendered image shows aneurysm sac (small arrows) and patent lumen (large arrow). Pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by conventional angiography to be arising from branch of pancreaticoduodenal artery.

 
Patients can present with nonspecific symptoms such as abdominal pain or, rarely, a palpable mass. Rupture of these aneurysms is common. In the study by Moore et al. [31], 62% of the pancreaticoduodenal aneurysms were ruptured at presentation, resulting in a morality rate of 21%. Risk of rupture is not necessarily related to size. Therefore, once the diagnosis is made, definitive treatment is required. When a pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm ruptures, it often leads to retroperitoneal hemorrhage. In the study by Moore et al., it was also noted that there was a significant incidence of associated occlusive disease involving the celiac axis in patients with pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms. It is thought that because of the occlusive disease of the celiac axis, this may result in increased flow through peripancreatic vessels, which serve as collateral flow from the superior mesenteric artery. This increased flow may play a role in the development of these aneurysms. However, aneurysms of the pancreaticoduodenal artery have also been known to occur in patients without stenosis of the celiac axis.

In addition, there is an association between pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms and aneurysms of other splanchnic vessels, including aortic and intracranial aneurysms. This suggests the possibility of a systemic cause as an underlying factor.

Emergent surgical repair and treatment are usually needed in patients who present with rupture. Surgery is often difficult in this setting because extensive collateralization is typically present and makes hemostasis difficult. At surgery, ligation or embolization of the aneurysm is typically performed. Today, percutaneous embolization is used more frequently and is considered the treatment of choice in most patients. These patients will obviously require follow-up. Intravascular coils, gelatin foam, glue, ethanol, and balloons have all been used successfully.

Gastroduodenal Artery Aneurysms

Gastroduodenal artery aneurysms (Figs. 10A and 10B) are the least common of all the splanchnic artery aneurysms. They typically represent less than 2% of all splanchnic artery aneurysms [3]. Typically, these are pseudoaneurysms developing in patients with pancreatitis. Patients are most commonly symptomatic because of the association with pancreatitis [21, 22]. Gastroduodenal artery aneurysms can be detected in asymptomatic patients incidentally or in patients who present after rupture and bleeding. Rupture of the aneurysm occurs in up to 25% of cases, with a high mortality rate of 25–75%.


Figure 22
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Fig. 10A 59-year-old man with history of cirrhosis and prostate cancer who underwent CT for follow-up evaluation. Axial contrast-enhanced MDCT image shows 1.2-cm contrast-filled aneurysm (arrow) inferior in relation to pancreatic head in region of gastroduodenal artery.

 

Figure 23
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Fig. 10B 59-year-old man with history of cirrhosis and prostate cancer who underwent CT for follow-up evaluation. Coronal 3D volume-rendered image further defines gastroduodenal artery aneurysm (arrow).

 
Preoperative diagnosis of gastroduodenal artery aneurysms can be difficult. If suspected, either CT angiography or conventional angiography can be performed to confirm the diagnosis and to establish the size and morphology of the lesion. This is very helpful when planning either surgical or percutaneous therapies. If gastroduodenal artery aneurysms are detected incidentally and in relatively asymptomatic patients, treatment is somewhat controversial. However, because of the relatively high risk of rupture, aggressive surgical repair may be justifiable.

Conclusions

Splanchnic artery aneurysms are rare but can be clinically significant, especially in the setting of rupture, with a high associated morbidity and mortality. Autopsy series suggest that asymptomatic cases largely remain undiagnosed and may be more common than previously suspected. Catheter angiography has been the traditional means of diagnosis. However, 3D imaging with CT and CT angiography, which allows visualization of the aorta and its branches, may detect splanchnic artery aneurysms with greater frequency in symptomatic and in asymptomatic patients. As discussed previously, the treatment depends on the location, type, and size of the aneurysm and the medical condition of the patient.

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