Adverse Events Related to Partial Splenic Embolization for the Treatment of Hypersplenism: A Systematic Review

Partial splenic embolization is a common procedure that reduces thrombocytopenia in patients with hypersplenism. The present review evaluated the adverse event profile of partial splenic embolization detailed in 30 articles. Although the technical success rate of the procedure in these papers is high, many patients experienced postprocedural complications. Minor complications such as postembolization syndrome occurred frequently. Major complications were less frequent but sometimes resulted in mortality. Underlying liver dysfunction and high infarction rates may be risk factors leading to major complications. Interventional radiologists should be aware of the complication profile of this procedure and further advance research in techniques dealing with hypersplenism.