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[Aneurysms of the splanchnic arteries]

Abstract

Aneurysms of the splanchnic arteries are among the rarest affecting the arterial circulation. Although in most instances these aneurysms are asymptomatic, their propensity for catastrophic exsanguinating rupture has long been recognized. Surgical intervention has paralleled advances in angiography and vascular surgical technique. In 1949 DeBakey and Cooley [1] reported the first successfully resected aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery. Since that time 18 additional splanchnic artery aneurysms have been surgically resected, including 5 cases involving the superior mesenteric artery and 2 involving the celiac trunk. The clinical observations, surgical technique and follow-up are described.