Celiac Artery Aneurysm: Anyone else with same illness?

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

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

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

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?

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

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?

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.

Thank you so much Michele, I really appreciate it! I’m definitely going to follow your husband’s advice. I wish the best for him also!

@kimberlyh57 We called 911 for my husband (age 58) on a Saturday night , as we thought he was having a heart attack. His pain was middle & upper chest & very intense & into his back & he was sweaty & short of breath. Among other tests, they referred for an ultrasound, where results would be sent to one of their vascular surgeons. Two days later on the Monday, he had a light meal for lunch & immediately after that meal the same intense epigastric pain came back. It was only then that we realized the Saturday attack had also been triggered by a meal.
A few days later he had an ultrasound of his stomach, and from that the vascular surgeon gave us the diagnosis of a 1.3 cm celiac artery aneurysm. I previously posted here - his advice was no smoking, control cholesterol, keep a close eye on blood pressure, no heavy lifting, and limit stress.
Take care and All the best,
Michele
Toronto, Canada

Hi I was told yesterday that I have a fusiform aneurysm of the celiac artery. They said it was 1cm, it was found on the CT scan. I went to ER I was having intermittent epigastric area pain that radiates into my upper back, between my shoulder blades. When the pain was intermittent it was after eating and then it was constant for 2days. I was worried something was going on with my heart, I’m 57 and have hypertension. They said my heart enzymes were negative and ekg was good, then they did CT and found the celiac artery aneurysm. I didn’t know how rare it is until I looked it up. I could tell the ER doctor wasn’t familiar with it by the look on her face. What I’m wondering has anyone who has a celiac aneurysm have any similar symptoms as mine? I’m going to make an appointment Monday with my primary doctor, since it’s this weekend this occurred. I would appreciate any information anyone can give me. It’s kinda overwhelming.