Splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms: Clinical distinctions and CT appearances

OBJECTIVE. Aneurysms of the splenic artery are being diagnosed with greater frequency as incidental findings on cross-sectional imaging. Splenic artery pseudoaneurysms are even more rare than true aneurysms. This article reviews the clinical features and management of splenic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. A variety of cases are presented to show the range of CT appearances. CONCLUSION. Radiologists who identify either type of splenic artery lesion should recognize the clinical and pathophysiologic distinctions between these two forms of splenic vascular pathology and understand the differences in management.