Review of proximal splenic artery embolization in blunt abdominal trauma

Abstract

The spleen is the most commonly injured organ in blunt abdominal trauma. Unstable patients undergo laparotomy and splenectomy. Stable patients with lower grade injuries are treated conservatively; those stable patients with moderate to severe splenic injuries (grade III-V) benefit from endovascular splenic artery embolization. Two widely used embolization approaches are proximal and distal splenic artery embolization. Proximal splenic artery embolization decreases the perfusion pressure in the spleen but allows for viability of the spleen to be maintained via collateral pathways. Distal embolization can be used in cases of focal injury. In this article we review relevant literature on splenic embolization indication, and technique, comparing and contrasting proximal and distal embolization. Additionally, we review relevant anatomy and discuss collateral perfusion pathways following proximal embolization. Finally, we review potential complications of splenic artery embolization.

Background

The spleen has many important roles including T-cell proliferation and antibody production and phagocytosis of senescent red blood cells (Coccolini et al. 2017; Mebius and Kraal 2005). Therefore, in the setting of splenic trauma, splenectomy is avoided when possible. Avoiding splenectomy precludes the development of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis, a potentially fatal infection caused by encapsulated bacteria (Coccolini et al. 2017; Uranus and Pfeifer 2001; Lynch and Kapila 1996; Cullingford et al. 1991; Banerjee et al. 2013).

Trauma protocols are resource and institution dependent. In general, hemodynamically stable with significant blunt abdominal trauma are imaged with contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT). The abdomen is typically scanned in a portal venous phase (Dreizin and Munera 2012). American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) splenic laceration grade is based on CT angiography findings (Moore et al. 1994) (see Table 1).

Table 1 AAST splenic laceration grading by CT. Other findings on CT not included in AAST criteria but important for triaging patients include active extravasation and pseudoaneurysm

Splenic preservation can be accomplished via three routes: 1-bedrest and close monitoring alone (typically for grade I or II); 2- endovascular splenic artery embolization combined with bedrest and close monitoring (AAST grade III-V splenic injuries or with CT scans demonstrating pseudoaneurysms, traumatic arteriovenous fistula or extravasation); 3-surgical repair (known as splenorrhaphy). Endovascular splenic embolization is effective; when splenic preservation is done without adjunctive splenic artery embolization, failure (defined as the need for subsequent splenectomy) is seen in approximately 40% of high grade injuries compared to 2% when embolization has been performed (Banerjee et al. 2013; Dreizin and Munera 2012; Moore et al. 1994; Requarth et al. 2011; Ahuja et al. 2015; Scatliff et al. 1975; Albrecht et al. 2002; McIntyre et al. 2005).

Endovascular splenic artery embolization can be performed distally or proximally depending on the injury pattern. Distal splenic artery embolization is preferred in cases of focal vascular injury (e.g. vessel truncation, pseudoaneurysm, focal extravasation) (Bessoud and Denys 2004). Distal embolization is often precluded given the predominantly multifocal injury pattern of blunt splenic injury (Scatliff et al. 1975). In cases of multifocal injury or when no focal angiographic abnormality is identified, but CT has demonstrated injury, proximal splenic artery embolization (PSAE) is performed (Imbrogno and Ray 2012).

PSAE works by decreasing the systolic arterial pressure in the spleen, promoting hemostasis and healing within the splenic parenchyma. Blood flow to the spleen is maintained via collaterals, which not only prevents infarction and abscess formation but also preserves splenic immune function (Imbrogno and Ray 2012; Bessoud and Denys 2004; Zmora et al. 2009). PSAE may also be performed outside the setting of trauma such as in cases of splenic artery aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm and in post liver transplant splenic artery steal syndrome (Loffroy et al. 2008; Saad 2012; Gu et al. 2012).

Splenorrhaphy can be used for splenic preservation involves suturing splenic defects and/or applying hemostatic agents to the areas of splenic injury. It is most helpful in cases of polytrauma where non-operative management is not possible or preferrable, and has been shown to be an effective method for splenic preservation (Tsaroucha et al. 2005). Splenic preservation is only a secondary goal in the management of trauma patients; unstable patients should undergo splenectomy. In patients with poly-abdominal trauma, treatment decisions are based on patients’ overall clinical picture.

In this review, we discuss the use of splenic artery embolization as part of non-operative management for splenic injuries caused by blunt abdominal trauma. We compare and contrast proximal and distal embolization. We review relevant anatomy focusing on where to perform proximal embolization and routes of collateral perfusion following proximal embolization. Additionally, we provide procedural tips and tricks and review potential complications from splenic artery embolization.

Study selection

Relevant articles pertaining to splenic trauma, function, anatomy, and splenic embolization using PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD) were reviewed. No studies were excluded based on year of publication. Selected studies were evaluated and assigned a level of evidence grade based on adaptations from existing guidelines (Table 2). Search terms included splenic embolization, splenic trauma, blunt abdominal trauma, splenic laceration, splenic collateral circulation, spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy.

Table 2 Summary table of key studies on splenic embolization with a level of evidence designation. Levels of evidence are defined using the grading system adapted from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Models and Guidelines (Burns et al. 2011; Dang and Dearholt 2017) - (see Table 5)

Splenic embolization-procedure

Relevant anatomy

Along with the left gastric and common hepatic arteries, the splenic artery is one of three branches of the celiac trunk. The splenic artery supplies not only the spleen but also the body and tail of the pancreas and portions of the stomach. The first large branch of the splenic artery is typically the dorsal pancreatic artery, also known as the posterior pancreatic artery. This vessel most commonly arises from the proximal splenic artery (40–51% of cases; Fig. 1), but may also arise from the celiac trunk (3–28% of cases; Fig. 2), common hepatic artery (17–22% of cases; Fig. 3) or superior mesenteric artery (15–46% of cases) (Baranski et al. 2016; Bertelli et al. 1998; Okahara et al. 2010). The dorsal pancreatic artery bifurcates into left and right branches; the left branch continues as the transverse pancreatic artery, which runs parallel to the splenic artery. The second large branch of the splenic artery is the great pancreatic artery, which is also referred to as the arteria pancreatica magna and the greater pancreatic artery. This vessel typically arises from the mid portion of the splenic artery (see Figs. 1, 2, and 3). The caudal pancreatic artery is the most distal pancreatic branch, arising from the distal splenic artery in approximately 70% of cases or the inferior polar artery in the remaining 30% (Macchi et al. 2014) (Fig. 4). When performnig PSAE, the ideal placement of plugs/coils is between the dorsal pancreatic artery and great pancreatic artery.

Fig. 1

Celiac angiogram (a) in a 22 yo female status post rollover motor vehicle accident with grade III splenic laceration shows the dorsal pancreatic artery (curved black arrow) arising from the proximal splenic artery. The dorsal pancreatic artery arises from the proximal splenic artery in approximately 50% of cases. Selective splenic angiogram (b) shows the great pancreatic artery (curved white arrow) arising from the mid splenic artery. Note the multifocal areas of contrast pooling within the splenic parenchyma consistent with multifocal traumatic injury

Fig. 2

65 year old female undergoing celiac angiogram for upper gastrointestinal bleed. Celiac DSA showing the dorsal pancreatic artery (thin arrows) arising directly from the celiac trunk (dotted black arrow), which occurs in ~ 15% of cases. The great pancreatic artery (curved black arrow) arises from the mid portion of the splenic artery. Ideal placement of coils/plugs in proximal splenic artery embolization is between these two vessels. Transverse pancreatic artery (thick black arrow)

Fig. 3

32 year old male in a snowmobile verses truck accident. a Celiac DSA after proximal splenic artery embolization with an AMPLATZER™ Plug (black star). Note the dorsal pancreatic artery (thin straight black arrow) originates from the common hepatic artery, a variation that occurs in approximately 20% of cases. Blood from the dorsal pancreatic artery then travels left along the transverse pancreatic artery (thick black arrows). Blood then flows retrograde up the great pancreatic artery (curved black arrow) reconstituting the mid/distal splenic artery (thick white arrow). b Subsequent image shows reconstituted flow in the mid/distal splenic artery (thick white arrow) with opacification of splenic artery branches (thin white arrows)

Fig. 4

52 yo male status post motor vehicle accident with grade 3 splenic injury. After coils were mistakenly placed distal to the origin of the great pancreatic artery (thin white arrow a, b), splenic artery DSA shows there is reconstitution of the distal splenic artery (thin black arrows b-d) via a great pancreatic artery to transverse pancreatic artery (thick white arrow b) to caudal pancreatic artery (curved white arrow b) pathway. The caudal pancreatic artery arises from the distal third of the splenic artery (70% of cases) or an inferior polar branch of the splenic artery (30% of cases)

Embolization technique

Splenic artery embolization is typically performed via a trans-femoral approach. The celiac trunk is engaged using a 5 Fr reverse curve catheter, such as a Cobra, Sos or Simmons catheter. Celiac angiogram using digital subtraction angiography is then done, with a flow rate of 5–7 mL/second for a total volume of 20–28 mL. Images are evalutated for splenic artery patency, tortuosity, size, and pattern of injury. Common angiographic findings of splenic injury in blunt abdominal splenic trauma include arteriovenous fistula (direct connections between arteries and veins), pseudoaneurysm (focal outpouching of a vessel), vasospasum/truncation (abrubt vessel cutoff) (Madoff et al. 2005). Frank extravasation of contrast (extravascular contrast which diffuses from site of injury) can be seen, but is rare (Madoff et al. 2005). The origin, patency and course of other branches of the celiac trunk such as the left gastric artery, the gastroduodenal artery and the right gastroepiploic artery are evaluated as these branches are important in supplying collateral perfusion to the spleen. A catheter is then advanced selectively into the splenic artery and angiogram is then done with further evaluation of splenic artery diameter (typically between 5 and 9 mm in diameter) and splenic parenchymal injury. The origins of pancreatic branches such as the dorsal pancreatic artery and the great pancreatic artery are noted. Typical flow rates for selective splenic artery angiogram are 5–6 mL/second for a total volume of 15–18 mL.

Proximal versus distal splenic artery embolization

PSAE is performed in cases of multifocal injury, whereas distal embolization is reserved for cases of focal vascular injury (Table 3). There is no significant difference in efficacy of splenic salvage between proximal and distal embolization (Schnuriger et al. 2011). There is, however, a higher rate of small splenic infarctions with distal splenic embolization (Imbrogno and Ray 2012; Schnuriger et al. 2011; Killeen et al. 2001). Another advantage of PSAE over distal embolization is faster procedure times, which is important in trauma patients whose hemodynamic stability can change quickly. A quicker procedure also allows for timely treatment of other injuries, and it helps reduce radiation dose (Imbrogno and Ray 2012). A theoretical disadvantage of PSAE is rebleeding distal to the coils/plugs; endovascular re-intervention would necessitate navigation through collaterals to perform subsequent distal embolization (Imbrogno and Ray 2012). This has not occurred in any published series to date. In cases where splenic injury is present but the angiography is negative, PSAE is preferred (Imbrogno and Ray 2012).

Table 3 Proximal vs Distal Splenic Embolization in Trauma Patients (Ahuja et al. 2015; Imbrogno and Ray 2012; Schnuriger et al. 2011; Killeen et al. 2001)

Distal embolization

To perform distal embolization, a microcatheter and microwire are advanced to the site of the vessel injury causing the extravasation, pseudoaneurysm or arterio-venous fistula. Once in proper position, embolization with particles, glue (such as N-butyl cyanoacrylate), gelfoam and/or coils is performed. Embolization using glue is an effective technique that can be used in patients with coagulopathy, however due to rapid polymerization of glue material, there is a small risk of embolization too proximal to the desired area of treatment (Loffroy et al. 2008). Completion selective and then proximal splenic angiograms are done after distal embolization to ensure desired occlusion of the injured vessel.

Proximal embolization

For PSAE, vascular plugs and/or coils can be used (Table 4). The desired site of embolization for PSAE is between the dorsal pancreatic artery and great pancreatic artery (Widlus et al. 2008; Sclafani et al. 1991). Some operators prefer 0.035″ coils given their greater radial strength and wall apposition, which minimizes the risk of distal migration in the high flow splenic artery. Coils should be sized to be 20–30% larger and plugs should be sized 30–50% larger than the target vessel (Vaidya et al. 2008). Some operators prefer using vascular plugs for PSAE as they can be precisely placed (Norotsky et al. 1995). The AMPLATZER™ Family of Vascular Plugs (AVP; Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL) is the only plug large enough for the proximal splenic artery embolization. These plugs come in three varieties, the AVP, the AVP II and the AVP-4 (Vaidya et al. 2008). The AVP-4, which can be delivered through any catheter that accepts a 0.038″ wire, is infrequently used because the largest diameter they come in is 8 mm (maximum target vessel diameter of  5.5 mm). The AVP II comes in a wider variety of diameters. The 10 and 12 mm AVP II can be delivered through a 5 Fr sheath or a 6 Fr-guiding catheter.

Table 4 Pearls and Pitfalls of Splenic Artery Embolization

Combined proximal and distal embolization

After distal embolization, PSAE can be performed. The decision on whether to perform PSAE after distal embolization depends on injury pattern, patient condition, local practice patterns and operator preference. The rationale for performing PSAE after successful distal embolization is that some vascular injuries may not be visible on initial angiogram and may lead to delayed bleed once the vasospasm subsides (Nance and Nance 1995; Campbell et al. 1991; Norotsky et al. 1995). This combined approach, however, leads to a higher rate of complications; a recent meta-analysis compairing serious complication rates (defined as those requiring further intervention, organ dysfunction, need for ICU management, or death) showed a more than doubled rate of complications in combined embolization (58.8%) compared to PSAE (18.2%) or distal embolization (28.7%) alone (Rong et al. 2017).

Collateral routes of perfusion after PSAE

The left gastroepiploic artery arises from either the distal splenic artery or an inferior polar branch of the splenic artery. It runs along the greater curvature of the stomach and, in ~ 90% of cases, anastomoses directly with the right gastroepiploic artery, a terminal branch of the gastroduodenal artery (Egorov et al. 2011). The short gastric arteries are a group of 2–10 small terminal arteries arising from the distal splenic artery and its terminal branches (Egorov et al. 2011). They course within the gastrosplenic ligament where they anastomose with branches of the left gastric artery (Gregorczyk et al. 2008).

One collateral pathway to the spleen after PSAE is from the dorsal pancreatic artery to the transverse pancreatic artery to the great pancreatic artery which then feeds into the mid/distal splenic artery (Figs. 5 and 6). Care must be taken not to embolize distal to the great pancreatic artery; if embolization is performed distal to this artery, this route will longer be able to provide collateral flow to the spleen (Fig. 7). Other routes, such the great pancreatic artery to the caudal pancreatic artery may allow for collateral perfusion if embolization is performed distal to the great pancreatic artery (Fig. 4). Another route of collateral flow is from the right gastroepiploic artery to the left gastroepiploic, which then feeds into the distal splenic artery or an inferior polar branch (Figs. 8 and 9). The left gastric artery supplies an important collateral route after PSAE. The left gastric artery anastomoses with the short gastrics in the region of the fundus of the stomach, thereby supplying branches of the splenic artery (Fig. 10). These latter two pathways are relied upon to maintain splenic viability when distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation and splenic vessel sacrifice (Warshaw’s technique) is performed (Warshaw 1988; Jean-Philippe et al. 2013). Finally, multiple collateral routes of collateral perfusion combining any of the above routes may also be seen.

Fig. 5

Schematic for the dorsal pancreatic (thin white arrow) to transverse pancreatic (thick white arrow) to great pancreatic artery (curved white arrow). Short black arrows denote the direction of flow. (Black star-coils in proximal splenic artery)

Fig. 6

Transradial splenic angiogram following splenic trauma. After proximal splenic artery embolization using coils (black star), flow from the proximal splenic artery (straight white arrow) to the distal splenic artery (curved white arrow) is maintained via dorsal pancreatic (straight thin black arrow) to transverse pancreatic (straight thick black arrow) to great pancreatic artery (curved black arrow) pathway

Fig. 7

85 year old male with pancreatic cancer status post iatrogenic trauma following drain placement for a perisplenic abscess. Splenic artery DSA after embolization shows that the AMPLATZER™ Plug (white arrow) has mistakenly been placed distal to the great pancreatic artery (curved black arrow). This excludes collateral perfusion of the spleen via the dorsal pancreatic artery (straight thin black arrow) to transverse pancreatic (thick black arrows) to great pancreatic artery pathway

Fig. 8

Schematic representation of collateral pathway of right gastroepiploic (thick curved black arrow) to left gastroepiploic artery (thin curved black arrow). The right gastroepiploic artery is a terminal branch of the gastrodoudenal artery (GDA; straight white arrow). It courses within the greater omentum along the greater curvature of the stomach. The left gastroepiploic artery may arise from the distal splenic or an inferior polar artery

Fig. 9

56 year old female, history of alcoholism, fall from standing height. Celiac artery angiogram after proximal splenic artery embolization with an AMPLATZERTM Plug (star a). This shows collateral perfusion to the spleen and distal splenic artery (straight black arrows b-d) via GDA (thin straight white arrow b, c) → right gastroepiploic (curved white arrow b-d) → left gastroepiploic pathway (curved black arrow b-d). Note that the parenchymal opacification of the spleen is markedly delayed compared to the liver, an expected finding after PSAE (d). Corkscrew intrahepatic arteries and the recannalized periumbilical vein with hepatopedal flow (thick white arrow b, c) are consistent with the patient’s known history of alcohol cirrhosis and portal hypertension

Fig. 10

a Schematic of collateral splenic perfusion via the left gastric (star) to short gastric pathway (curved arrows). Note that the normal direction of flow is reversed in the short gastric arteries. b 39 year old female with history of splenic laceration caused by motor vehicle accident 11 years prior which was treated with a subtotal splenectomy as well as splenic artery and vein ligation. Left gastric artery angiogram done for bleeding gastric varices demonstrates the left gastric to short gastric to spleen collateral pathway

Post procedure

Antibiotic therapy

Based on our literature review, there are no current antibiotic treatment guidelines for splenic artery embolization in the setting of trauma. At our institution, we routinely give 1 g of Cefazolin immediately prior to splenic artery embolization (Level V, see Table 5). Following PSAE, if the post embolization DSA shows good flow to the spleen we do not routinely use continue antibiotic therapy. If, however there is poor flow to the spleen on post procedure DSA, we give amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for 7 days to cover enteric flora. Following distal embolization, if a large territory was embolized we give 5 days of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid.

Table 5 Levels of Evidence Adapted from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and Johns Hopkins nursing evidence-based practice: Models and Guidelines (Burns et al. 2011; Dang and Dearholt 2017)

Splenic function after embolization

Splenic function is preserved after splenic embolization (Bessoud et al. 2007; Olthof et al. 2014). Preserved phagocytosis is confirmed by the absence of Howell-Jolly bodies (abdormal bsophilic nuclear remnants withing red blood cells due to deficient phagocytosis) after splenic embolization (Olthof et al. 2014; Pirasteh et al. 2012). Splenic dependent T-cell immunity is preserved after splenic embolization. The levels of two subpopulations of CD4+ T cells (CD4 + CD45RA+ and CD4 + CD45RO+), which are essential in antigen induced T-cell proliferation, are markedly diminished in asplenic patients but are normal after splenic embolization (Malhotra et al. 2010). Finally, antibody response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is preserved after splenic embolization but is blunted in asplenic patients (Olthof et al. 2014). Routine encapsulated organism antibiotics after splenic embolization is not needed.

Complications

A multi-institutional trial assessing complication from splenic artery embolization found a major complication rate of 20%, and a minor complication rate of 23% (Ahuja et al. 2015; Haan et al. 2004). There is statistically no significant difference in the rate of major complications such as infection, infarction, or rebleeding requiring splenectomy when comparing proximal or distal splenic artery embolization (Schnuriger et al. 2011). The only complication discrepancy between PSAE and distal embolization is splenic infarct, with ~3x higher rate of infarct in distal embolizations (1.6% - 3.8% rate of major splenic infarctions in distal embolization; 0.0–0.5% for PSAE) (Schnuriger et al. 2011; Bessoud et al. 2007). Signs and symptoms of infarction include left upper quadrant pain and tenderness, fever, leukocytosis, nausea and vomiting, and an elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (Lawrence et al. 2010). Splenic abscess (Fig. 11) often presents with persistent fever despite antibiotic coverage, left sided pleural effusion, and left upper quadrant pain (Lee et al. 2004).

Fig. 11

37 year old male with an AAST grade III splenic injury following high speed motor vehicle crash. a Splenic artery DSA with a catheter in the splenic artery (black arrow) demonstrating a focal pseudoaneurysm (white arrows). b A base catheter in the splenic artery (small white arrow), with a 5 F microcatheter fed through a tortuous splenic artery (large white arrow). The tortuosity and distance of this pseudoaneurysm precludes the use of traditional covered stents in this area. c Post coil embolization DSA showing a treated pseudoaneurysm. d One week after embolization, an axial contrast enhanced CT through the spleen demonstrates distal embolization coils (small white arrow), an area of focal infarction (small black arrow), and a splenic abscess (large black arrow). A partially visualized drain is present within the infected collection (large white arrow)

Conclusion

The spleen is commonly injured in blunt trauma. In hemodynamically stable patients, attempts are made at splenic preservation in order to sustain its immune function thereby preventing overwhelming post-splenectomy infection. PSAE plays an important role in non-operative management of splenic trauma. It works by decreasing perfusion pressure within the splenic parenchyma. At the same time, collateral flow keeps the splenic tissue viable, preserving its function and preventing infarction and abscess formation. Distal embolization can be performed in cases of focal vascular injury.