Celiac Artery Aneurysm: Anyone else with same illness?

Hello all, I’m 37 and was diagnosed with a CA in May of 2020. It was found during a CT scan that I had due to digestive problems, stomach pain and enlarged spleen. It measured 1.2 cm. I went to a vascular surgeon here in Fresno, CA. She said if it reached 2cm then she would operate. I just had a new CTA done to recheck. I go back to the Dr on feb 18. Fingers crossed as I hate this being there and I can’t do anything about it.
It was refreshing to come across this group because even the dr didn’t have much information as it is rare. Thank you for sharing your stories. They do help.

Hello @rowens1206 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so glad you found this group and feel the sharing is helpful.

You are due to return for an appointment in just under a month. How are you feeling and what can members do to provide you support in the meantime?

Hi all. I am very glad to have found this thread. I live in Sydney, Australia. I am 49. 7 weeks ago I had the sudden onset of central abdominal pain and left rib pain shooting through to the middle of the back. When it didn’t go away after four days, I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with a 2cm celiac artery aneurysm extending into the splenic artery with splenic infarction with associated clot and inflammation. They told me it was extremely rare and it seemed they did not know what to do. First I was told I would have a stent then they told me that the stent could throw emboli off the clot into the liver resulting in liver failure. They now are saying it will need some type of operation. Despite acknowledging that it was rare and they had never seen it before, they confidently told me that the pain would resolve in 2 weeks. It hasn’t. The pain is across the left ribs, that is from the spleen. On the right ribs and abdomen it is likely from the liver. It is usually through to the back too. As reported by others here, I feel exhausted and often need to lie down in a certain position to alleviate the pain. Some days I feel better and start to do things only to feel wiped out and in pain three hours later. I was told that over the long term the risk of rupture is about 40% hence the need for surgery soon.

I have been surprised by the similarity in accounts of this illness on this thread, particularly given the medical profession doesn’t know much about it. It is pretty frightening with such little knowledge but then reassuring that the experiences are so consistent.

Thanks for your posts about your experiences

Hi @bdickinson666 and welcome. That must be a frightening situation to face at only 49. You may find this journal article of some help.
- Celiac Arterial Aneurysms: A Critical Reappraisal of a Rare Entity https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/212580

Have you been referred to specialist for surgical consult?

what's sad and disappointing is that this article is almost 19yrs old..

Yes, thank you, I am seeing a vascular surgeon to determine what surgery should be done

Looking for information and the best dr/hospital for this type of surgery.

Hello @dkmullins68 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You will notice that I have moved your post on fusiform celiac aneurysm into an existing discussion on the same topic to allow you to more easily connect with other members who understand what you are going through. Members like @kimberlyh57 and @bdickinson666 have recently joined the conversation looking for more information, like you, and may also have some recent updates to share.

When were you diagnosed and can you share a bit more about your timeline so that other members can connect?

was diagnosed last year and was told it was inoperable, I have underlying conditions including NASH, kidney disease and have had a complete left colectomy. .Am trying to get second opinion before I have a stroke or rupture.

was

Hello @dkmullins68,
Let me add my welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I can understand your concern after having been told that you have an inoperable aneurysm. Getting a second opinion is such a good plan. You do not mention where you live, but it would be a good idea to seek help from a multidisciplinary health care organization like Mayo Clinic or a university medical school. These health centers are research-oriented and best equipped to diagnose and treat difficult health issues.

Would you be able to travel to Mayo Clinic (3 locations in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona), or are you near a university medical school?

What type of specialist have you seen thus far for this problem?

I look forward to hearing from you again. Will you post an update when it is convenient?