Evaluation of Splenic Embolism Volume by Splenic Artery Branch Diameter Ratio

Objective: The partial splenic artery embolization is an effective treatment for hypersplenism. The key of treatment is to control the splenic embolism volume (SEV) and avoid serious complications while achieving good therapeutic effect. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of splenic artery branch diameter ratio (SBR) on (SEV). Methods: The data of 16 patients with hypersplenism treated by partial splenic artery embolization were retrospectively analyzed. According to the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images of splenic artery during operation, the diameter of splenic artery branches was measured and the SBR was calculated. Enhanced CT was performed in all patients one month after operation, and the SEV was calculated based on volume reconstruction (VR) images. Postoperative complications and peripheral blood cells were observed. Results: The SEV was (51.7 +/- 4.2)% calculated by SBR in DSA during operation. One month after operation, the SEV measured by CT was (49.8 +/- 5.4)%. There was no significant difference between SBP and SEV, and there was a positive correlation between them. Compared with the data before operation, the levels of peripheral blood cells increased gradually after operation. Compared with the data in smaller embolic volume patients, the increase of peripheral blood cells in larger embolic volume patients was more obvious, while the visual analogue scale in larger embolic volume patients was higher (Fig. 5). Conclusion: The SBP was a simple, real-time and accurate method to evaluate the SEV in partial splenic artery embolization.