Outcomes
The technical success of SAA embolization is 90% orhigher in most series [1–7, 15–17]. The main complications of SAA embolization include splenic infarction and
infection. Although splenic ischemia and postembolization syndrome have been reported in up to 40% of patients undergoing SAA embolization, there have been few clinical
sequelae or evidence of hematological changes due to splenic insufficiency [17, 20]. This is explained by the fact that sufficient perfusion of the spleen occurs from collateral
flow through the short gastric arteries and from the gastroduodenal artery via the gastroepiploic arteries. There is little evidence to suggest that splenic embolization has any
major long-term effect on immune function. However, meningococcal, pneumococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae vaccination is often administered if extensive distal
embolization is performed [25].
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