Visceral Aneurysms

Visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) are historically uncommon disorders that are now being detected with increased frequency due to the ubiquitous utilization of cross-sectional imaging. Though they are typically asymptomatic, VAAs are of high clinical significance given their potential for rupture, which may result in mortality. Though uncommon and usually clinically silent, aneurysms of the visceral arteries, namely the celiac axis, renal arteries, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), and its branches, are of clinical concern given the potentially high mortality rate associated with their rupture (25–70%). While open surgical treatment models for VAAs remain a viable option in the treatment of VAAs, modern advances in endovascular technology and interventional physician technical skill sets have propelled endovascular therapy to become the first-line therapy for many VAAs. It is imperative for the modern vascular and interventional physician who takes care of patients with VAAs to master the clinical knowledge required to guide and counsel patients with VAAs and to develop the technical expertise to offer treatment when deemed appropriate. It is also imperative that the vascular interventional physician continue to follow up with these patients indefinitely after endovascular repair.