Safety and Effectiveness of Sclerotherapy for Nonparasitic Splenic Cysts: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the reported safety and effectiveness of sclerotherapy for the treatment of nonparasitic splenic cysts through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search of PubMed MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library through July 2023 was performed. Studies including at least 5 patients reporting percutaneous sclerotherapy of nonparasitic splenic cysts, initial and posttreatment cyst size, clinical symptoms as well as adverse events (AEs), and recurrence rates were included. A 0–8-point scale for case reports and case series was used to assess bias. Data were analyzed using random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Twenty-three of 833 citations were selected for full-text assessment, and 7 studies were included for a total of 99 patients. The methodological quality of the studies included scored 3–7. Composite analysis demonstrated 38% (95% CI, 23%–55%) rate of recurrence after treatment with significant heterogeneity; however, when assessed for a cyst size of <8 cm, recurrence dropped to 7% (95% CI, 2%–20%). Residual symptoms after treatment completion were present in 17% (95% CI, 7%–33%). Intraprocedural and postprocedural AE rates were 6% (95% CI, 3%–13%) and 6% (95% CI, 3%–12%) respectively.

Conclusions

Sclerotherapy of splenic cysts seemed to be safe, with a high rate of recurrence for cysts ≥8 cm.