Arterial aneurysms in children: Clinicopathologic classification

Open repair of an abdominal aortic and right common iliac artery aneurysm with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis in a 19-month-old infant

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in children is a rare clinical condition, with idiopathic AAAs even more atypical. We report a case of a 19-month-old girl with incidental findings of an infrarenal AAA and right common iliac artery aneurysm during workup for heart failure. Extensive genetic testing was unremarkable for connective tissue disorders. An aortic bi-iliac artery bypass with a Dacron graft from the infrarenal aorta to the right external iliac artery and left common iliac artery was performed. The patient achieved complete recovery and only required one oral hypertensive medication at 30 days of follow-up. Wide patency of the graft was observed on the 3-month follow-up computed tomography angiogram.

Rare Case of Abdominal Aortic and Multiple Visceral Aneurysms in a Pediatric Patient With PIK3CA Mutation and Vasculitis

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are most commonly observed in elderly male patients and are particularly rare in children. Among the pediatric population, they are usually diagnosed in the context of connective tissue disorders, genetic mutations, or vasculitis. The same is true of visceral arteries aneurysms. This case report describes the staged management of an 11-year-old patient presenting PIK3CA mutation and a 5.8 cm infrarenal AAA associated with bilateral common iliac arteries and multiple visceral aneurysms, the largest observed in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA = 3.2 cm). After careful evaluation, decision was made to first approach the most life-threatening lesion (the infrarenal AAA due to the large diameter) and the remaining aneurysms in secondary procedures, with special attention to the SMA aneurysm. The patient underwent a staged repair, with the first phase consisting of an aortobi-iliac graft with the distal anastomosis made at the left common iliac artery and right external iliac artery. The right hypogastric artery was ligated. The second procedure consisted of SMA aneurysm repair with a plication technique, as 7 branches were visualized coming off the aneurysm sac. Postoperative pathology analysis of the aortic and SMA aneurysms sac revealed vasculitis with a mixed inflammatory pattern and a COL3A1 gene heterozygote variant. He is currently in his 18th month after the last surgical intervention, receiving immunomodulatory therapy, with a planned follow-up by the interdisciplinary team to monitor the medications' side effects and the diameter of the remaining visceral aneurysms.

Rare giant renal artery aneurysm in neurofibromatosis type 1 patient: a case report

Introduction and importance

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterised by multiple neurofibromas, café-au-lait spots, and iris hamartomas. The variety of vasculopathies that can occur in NF1 make it difficult for clinicians to accurately follow-up patients. Most cases of vasculopathies are stenotic, and, in few cases, aneurysms may form.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old male presented with extreme left flank pain for the past 2 days. His physical examination revealed whole-body several café-au-lait skin macules, a subcutaneous lesion, and a palpable abdominal mass in the left flank. His laboratory workup was within normal ranges. A multi-slice computed tomography and computed tomography angiogram with contrast outlined a giant left renal artery aneurysm (RAA). A kidney salvage surgery was planned. However, due to ectatic dilatation and large extension of the aneurysm, the affected renal artery branches and renal vein were found unfit for auto-transplantation during the surgical procedure and a total nephrectomy was necessary. Symptoms improved significantly postoperatively and no complications developed.

Clinical discussion

RAA is an uncommon finding in NF1 patients. Diagnosis is often dependent on computed tomography angiogram. Management techniques are conservative, endovascular, or surgical. In few surgical cases, a total nephrectomy may be necessary if auto-transplantation is not feasible.

Conclusion

Despite its rarity, the diagnosis of RAA should be considered in patients with NF1 presenting with flank pain. Moreover, early screening for renal vasculopathies can evade critical surgical outcomes including a total nephrectomy. Hence, the authors recommend a total vascular workup for these patients, consisting of doppler ultrasound and, if necessary, a multi-slice computed tomography with contrast.

Acquired Saccular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a 10-Year-Old Child: A Case Report and Literature Review

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a confined dilatation involving the abdominal aorta. The incidence is rare and the etiology is unknown. Cases associated with conditions like Kawasaki, connective tissue, Behcet's diseases, and vasculitis are considered acquired. Our patient had a clinical criterion of Behcet's disease. Management involves a surgical approach. Endovascular intervention is not an option here, as the aneurysm is close to the bifurcation evident in computed tomography angiogram scans. Usually, they have good long-term outcomes. In our paper, we aim to describe the clinical presentation, management approach, and the outcome of our patient with an acquired AAA.

Peripheral vascular bypass with cadaveric arterial allograft in a toddler with femoral mycotic aneurysm

Mycotic aneurysms are exceedingly rare in the pediatric population. The optimal surgical treatment for children with this disease is unclear as aneurysm resection and vascular reconstruction are uncommonly performed in young children. We present a unique case of a 21-month-old child with a complex cardiac history who presented with limb ischemia and was discovered to have thrombosis of the common femoral and superficial femoral artery. Groin exploration revealed a left common femoral and superficial femoral artery mycotic aneurysm that was successfully repaired with excision of the mycotic aneurysm, external iliac to profunda femoral artery vascular bypass using cryopreserved arterial allograft and femoral vein reconstruction. This case demonstrates successful vascular reconstruction can be performed in a young child with an Aspergillus mycotic aneurysm using cadaveric arterial allograft.

Familial Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome: Report of familial ASXL3 inheritance and a milder phenotype

De novo truncating and splicing pathogenic variants in the Additional Sex Combs-Like 3 (ASXL3) gene are known to cause neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disability, behavioral difficulties, hypotonia, feeding problems and characteristic facial features. We previously reported 45 patients with ASXL3-related disorder including three individuals with a familial variant. Here we report the detailed clinical and molecular characteristics of these three families with inherited ASXL3-related disorder. First, a father and son with c.2791_2792del p.Gln931fs pathogenic variant. The second, a mother, daughter and son with c.4534C > T, p.Gln1512Ter pathogenic variant. The third, a mother and her daughter with c.4441dup, p.Leu1481fs maternally inherited pathogenic variant. This report demonstrates intrafamilial phenotypic heterogeneity and confirms heritability of ASXL3-related disorder.

Embolization in Pediatric Patients: A Comprehensive Review of Indications, Procedures, and Clinical Outcomes

Embolization in pediatric patients encompasses a large spectrum of indications, ranging from the elective treatment of congenital diseases of the cardiovascular system to the urgent management of acute hemorrhagic conditions. In particular, the endovascular treatment of central and peripheral vascular malformations and hypervascular tumors represents a wide chapter for both congenital and acquired situations. Thanks to the progressive availability of low-profile endovascular devices and new embolic materials, the mini-invasive approach has gradually overtaken surgery. In this review, the main embolization procedures will be illustrated and discussed, with a focus on clinical indications and expected outcomes. The most recent mini-invasive techniques will be described, with hints on the cutting-edge devices and embolic materials.

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography for monitoring an embolized renal artery aneurysm: A case report and literature review

This case report describes a 69-year-old male patient with a renal artery aneurysm that was followed up with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography at 8 months after coil embolization treatment. Due to the disappearance of residual lumen with few metal artifacts, the therapeutic effect was satisfactory. At present, the indications for the treatment of renal artery aneurysms are still controversial and there are very few reports of postembolization images of renal artery aneurysms, with no criteria for reintervention and few reports for monitoring the embolized aneurysms. Further reports and research are still needed for the treatment of this rare disease.

Successful surgical repair of an eminently rare case of an incidental idiopathic Common Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm in a 6-year-old female child - A Case Report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

A Pseudoaneurysm is an abnormal outpouching of the arterial wall which progressively enlarges and could lead to catastrophic consequences. Ensuing damage could culminate in the loss of the affected extremity due to dissection, exsanguination, thromboembolism, or infection. Some presentations are symptomatic, whereas others are incidental findings. Timely surgical mediation is vital to eliminate the potential morbid sequelae.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present the case of a 6-year-old female, who was referred to the clinic due to an incidental finding of a pulsatile bulge in her right groin. We confirmed the presence of a visible pulsating bulge in the right groin associated with impalpable Popliteal and Pedal pulses. Preoperative imaging revealed an isolated Common Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm and hence, surgical intervention was successfully accomplished.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Surgical repair was achieved by pseudoaneurysmectomy and utilizing an autologous Saphenous Vein graft. From the proximal side, a primary end-to-end anastomosis was accomplished between the veinous graft and the right Common Femoral Artery (CFA). Whereas from the distal side, a direct end-to-end anastomosis was completed between the right Superficial Femoral Artery and the veinous graft.

CONCLUSION

Arterial pseudoaneurysms constitute immensely rare vascular emergencies. The pediatric population is particularly vulnerable because of the rarity of occurrence of this pathology in children. Surgical intervention is the gold standard approach. Meticulous follow-up protocols ought to be carried-out to limit the possibility of recurrence. Documentation is the main building block in our profession. Physicians should possess high sense of clinical awareness when presented with such a pathology.

True Saccular Aneurysm at the Iliac Bifurcation in an Adolescent: Case Report and Review of Lower Limb Vascular Embryology

Introduction

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms are an uncommon occurrence in the absence of concurrent aortic disease in the adult population and are a rare entity in children and adolescents. Paediatric patients may present with false aneurysms less frequently but true aneurysms are exceptional. In this report, the case of an iliac bifurcation true saccular aneurysm is described.

Report

An 18 year old woman without history of infection, trauma, connective tissue disorders, or vasculitis, was referred with an incidental left iliac bifurcation saccular aneurysm. She underwent open surgical resection of the aneurysm with primary re-anastomosis of the common to external iliac arteries and ligation of the internal iliac artery. Histopathological assessment did not show any inflammatory or other underlying disease process.

Discussion

A case is presented of an isolated iliac bifurcation true aneurysm in an adolescent and its successful treatment. It is plausible that incomplete involution of the embryologically dominant sciatic artery may have been the cause for this presentation and for other congenital iliac artery aneurysms. Literature review of other paediatric iliac aneurysms shows an array of postulated underlying causes and treatment strategies.

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An unusual case of a paediatric internal iliac artery aneurysm.

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True aneurysms are rare without connective tissue or vasculitic disorders.

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The initial axial sciatic artery involutes during vasculogenesis/angiogenesis.

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Sciatic artery involution may have lead to the formation of this aneurysm.

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Literature review indicates sciatic artery origins as novel for the presentation.

Microsurgical and Endovascular Management of Congenital Iliac Aneurysms in the Neonatal Period: Two Cases and a Literature Review

Introduction

Congenital aneurysms of major arteries are very rare diagnoses and prognosis can be poor if treatment is not initiated rapidly. This is the presentation of two cases of infants with congenital iliac aneurysms who underwent treatment in the neonatal period. The report then proceeds with a literature review of paediatric iliac aneurysms.

Report

Case 1: A female neonate was diagnosed antenatally with right common iliac (CIA) and internal iliac (IIA) artery aneurysms. Embolisation on day of life (DOL) eight was impossible because of partial thrombosis. The infant was subsequently observed for several months and the aneurysm was injected percutaneously with thrombin on DOL 78. A small residual aneurysm was coil embolised at five months of age. Satisfactory results were observed at one year follow up. Case 2: A female neonate was diagnosed antenatally on routine third trimester ultrasound with voluminous, bilateral CIA aneurysms. The patient underwent surgery on DOL 9 for aneurysm resection and microsurgical vascular reconstruction. The intervention was successful with triphasic flow through the anastomoses on colour Doppler ultrasound at six week follow up.

Discussion

Ten cases of congenital iliac aneurysms have been reported previously, with just two diagnosed in the neonatal period and eight undergoing surgical intervention. Definitive management to avoid aneurysm rupture or thrombosis should be timed carefully, and sometimes delayed with watchful waiting, to maximise success and minimise complications. Surgery is the key treatment modality, but endovascular intervention can be considered in selected cases. Congenital iliac aneurysms should be addressed at the safest time for the patient. Following resection, primary microvascular anastomosis is the ideal reconstructive technique, but other options for neonates have been described. Endovascular treatment should be considered for anatomically amenable saccular aneurysms.

Endovascular management of a large renal artery aneurysm: a case report and review of the literature

Background

A renal artery aneurysm is a rare clinical presentation that can be found incidentally on imaging or during workup for refractory hypertension. Its presentation can be similar to that of a renal artery pseudoaneurysm, but the etiologies of the two vascular lesions differ. We present a patient who had an incidental finding of a large renal artery aneurysm that was managed with endovascular embolization. We also describe the literature surrounding the etiology, presentation and management of both renal artery aneurysms and renal artery pseudoaneurysms.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old man was referred to a urologic oncologist for workup of a newly found renal mass. Initial imaging with computed tomography showed a homogenous, well-circumscribed mass arising from the right kidney. Further evaluation with Doppler ultrasonography demonstrated pulsatile flow within the renal mass that was concerning for a renal artery pseudoaneurysm. The patient initially underwent a diagnostic angiogram by interventional radiology and was found to have a true renal artery aneurysm. Interventional radiology considered placement of a covered stent or angioembolization, but treatment was deferred due to concern for compromising the patient’s renal function. Patient was subsequently transferred to a neighboring hospital for management by vascular surgery. After considering both open surgical and endovascular approaches, the patient ultimately underwent angioembolization of the renal artery aneurysm. Short-term follow-up showed successful exclusion of the aneurysm with minimal adverse effects to the patient.

Conclusions

Our case report documents a unique case of an incidentally found large renal artery aneurysm that was successfully managed with endovascular embolization. Renal artery aneurysms and renal artery pseudoaneurysms, which can present similarly on imaging, are important diagnostic considerations in a patient presenting with a new renal mass. While open surgical approaches can be used to repair aneurysms, endovascular approaches using stenting or angioembolization are safe and effective options for treating renal aneurysms and renal pseudoaneurysms.

Idiopathic right common iliac artery aneurysm in a three-year-old child - case report

The incidence of iliac aneurysms in children is unknown and there are only a small number of case reports in the literature on the subject. This article describes the case of a 3-year-old male patient with an isolated saccular aneurysm at the bifurcation of the right common iliac artery, of idiopathic origin, which was repaired by resection, ligature of the internal iliac artery and end-to-end vascular anastomosis. After 1 month of follow-up, he was diagnosed with asymptomatic occlusion of the anastomosis. The occlusion had no clinical repercussions because of collateral circulation and the child has had a favorable clinical course over the medium term.

Recurrent brachial artery aneurysm repair in a child managed with Gore-Tex conduit reinforcement

Pediatric nonaortic arterial aneurysms are uncommon diagnoses and can be affiliated with underlying conditions, which include neurofibromatosis I, Ehlers-Danlos type IV syndrome, Kawasaki disease, Marfan syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz, polyarteritis nodosa, as well as Klippel-Trenauny syndrome. The standard of care has been early surgical excision and arterial reconstruction when indicated. This report details a case of recurrent brachial artery aneurysm in a 2-year-old boy despite multiple attempts at excision and reconstruction. Such recurrences were seen as rapidly as 3 months postoperatively. Ultimately, a Gore-Tex conduit was used to reinforce a reversed saphenous vein graft repair. There has been no evidence of recurrent disease during the 18-month follow-up period.

Pediatric ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm of the wrist after glass laceration: A case report and systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Our purpose was to explore a case of a complicated ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm and propose an algorithm to guide physicians in this scenario. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy with a pediatric ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm that developed after a wrist laceration from broken glass 6 weeks after the initial injury. The diagnosis of pseudoaneurysm was missed, and the patient was transferred to our facility in urgent need of resection and repair due to profuse bleeding. An ultrasound confirmed the suspected diagnosis of ulnar artery aneurysm with thrombosis within the vessel. An area of skin necrosis was also present. Upon exploration of the wound, the ulnar artery pseudoaneurysm was identified and resected. The defect measured six millimeters and it was repaired primarily, under the microscope, after the proximal and distal portions were freed by dissection. The patient's incision was well healed at six-week follow-up.

METHOD

A systematic literature review of the English literature on ulnar artery aneurysm was conducted on PubMed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Answers, and Cochrane Clinical Trials, without timeframe limitations. Finally, we provide an algorithm to assist the decision-making process in similar scenarios.

CONCLUSION

Although ulnar artery aneurysm is rare on a pediatric patient, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis each time a patient presents with a wrist mass. In such cases, a high index of suspicion warrants examination by a hand specialist.

Aneurysm of Upper Limb Arteries in Children: Report of Five Cases

Background

Arterial aneurysm in children is rare.

Aim

To present the description of case series of successful surgical treatment of upper limb aneurysms in children. The case series included 2 boys and 3 girls, with median age 3.3 years. One of them was a newborn with a true brachial artery aneurysm. Aneurysms were in the brachial (n = 3) and radial (n = 2) arteries. Two patients had idiopathic aneurysms. Two cases were associated with connective tissue dysplasia syndrome. One patient had a history of trauma. In 4 of 5 cases, there was a true aneurysm and in one a pseudoaneurysm. Diagnosis was carried out in all cases by using ultrasound, with arteriography in one case. All 5 children were operated on. Resection of the aneurysm and restoration of arterial patency was performed in 4 of 5 cases (ligation of the radial artery near the aneurysm in 1 case, aneurysm resection with end-to-end anastomosis in 1 case, resection with PTFE graft implantation in 1 case, and resection with implantation of an autovenous graft in 2 cases. Complications. Dysfunction and thrombosis of the PTFE graft required reoperation using an autovenous graft.

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of the disease, timely and adequate surgical treatment of aneurysms of the arteries of the upper extremities in children is possible successfully in a specialized hospital.

Internal iliac artery thrombosis in a 2-month-old infant with incomplete Kawasaki disease

We report a case of a 2-month-old infant with incomplete Kawasaki disease with multiple coronary and systemic arteries aneurysms complicated with internal iliac arteries thrombosis. The atypical clinical presentations and severity of systemic vascular involvements discuss the importance of high index of suspicions in younger infants and treatment options in such cases.

In Situ Treatment of Branch Renal Artery Aneurysms With Pantaloon Vein Graft

Introduction:

The optimal method of operative management of complex renal artery aneurysms (RAAs) involving distal branches (BRAAs) remains unclear. When more than 1 artery is involved within the BRAA, endovascular techniques are not advisable and an ex vivo approach is often preferred. In this study, we introduce an alternative surgical in situ technique to treat BRAAs.

Methods and Surgical Technique:

Five aneurysms involving the main or second-order bifurcation of the renal artery (RA) were treated in 4 patients at our institute between November 2012 and January 2017. The treatment of the BRAAs was based on resection of the aneurysm wall and reconstruction with autologous Pantaloon vein graft (PVG): a “Y-shaped” bypass created on-bench with autogenous great saphenous vein. Sequential clamping/reperfusion of the kidney allows to reduce renal function impairment.

Results:

No perioperative mortality or morbidity was observed, including none nephrectomy. In all the cases, aneurysms were treated with an in situ technique as previously planned. All the grafts were patent at the follow-up time (mean 64.1 ± 11.7 months). Renal function was preserved in all the cases. Vascularization of the renal parenchyma was satisfactory both on arterial echo Doppler and contrast-medium ultrasound in all the cases. Average cross-clamping times of the main RA and of a single branch RA were 15.8 ± 1.7 and 17.7 ± 4.6 minutes, respectively. Mean total operating time was 266.3 ± 18.9 minutes.

Conclusion:

The PVG with sequential clamping applied in the surgical treatment of BRAAs permits to reduce the ischemic effects to the renal parenchyma. To our knowledge, these are the first cases described in which BRAAs are treated with a PVG and our experience suggests that it is a feasible technique, with good long-term results and without severe adverse events recorded.

Axillary Artery Aneurysm in a 3-Year-Old Child: A Rare Case and Review of the Literature

We report a rare case of 4 cm true aneurysm of left axillary artery in a 3-year-old girl. Computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Open surgical repair with resection and primary end-to-end anastomosis was performed. The patient did not have any complication after 1-year follow-up. Axillary artery aneurysm is extremely rare in pediatric population. Previous reports of this rare entity are discussed comprehensively.

Isolated Idiopathic Right Common Iliac Artery Aneurysm Presenting as Acute Appendicitis in a 9-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report and Literature Review

The prevalence of iliac artery aneurysms is extremely rare in children. The most common etiologies for developing an aneurysm in children are infections, inflammatory diseases, and trauma. An idiopathic or congenital etiology is the least common cause in the pediatric population. We report a case of a 9-year-old girl with no previous history of trauma, intervention, or family history of vascular diseases who presented with a sudden severe right lower quadrant pain suggesting appendicitis. Upon examination, a large tender pulsatile mass was felt in the right lower quadrant. Ultrasound and computed tomography scans revealed a large right common iliac aneurysm. The aneurysm was noted to have a high risk of rupture due to the sudden symptomatic presentation and its large size. Therefore, the patient underwent an urgent operation, during which an aneurysmal repair was performed with an interposition graft. Postoperative ultrasound imaging showed a patent graft and no residual aneurysm. The patient has been followed up for two years, and no complications were found.

Spontaneous radial artery pseudoaneurysm in an infant due to idiopathic medial hypoplasia - a case report

Spontaneous pseudoaneurysms are uncommon vascular lesions in children. A seven-month-old boy presented for management of a painless, pulsatile mass of the volar forearm identified as a pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery on imaging, definitively treated with surgical excision. Histology was concerning for fibromuscular dysplasia, without additional lesions on whole-body imaging.

Rare Presentation of an Ulnar Artery Aneurysm in a Six-Month-Old Baby: Case Discussion

Ulnar artery aneurysm cases have been rarely reported in the literature previously. A number of these cases occur in the adult population and are mostly occupational associated. In children, however, this condition is much less. Only 10 cases in children have been reported in the literature to the best of our knowledge, and the minimum age was 1 year. The etiology is mainly post-traumatic. We present a case for discussion of an ulnar artery aneurysm in a 6-month-old baby with the habit of hitting his hand against a table and the floor.

Acute Leg Ischaemia in a Child due to a Thrombosed Popliteal Aneurysm

Introduction

The case of an idiopathic thrombosed popliteal aneurysm is described in an otherwise healthy 6 year old child. This is the fourth reported case and the second youngest patient to present with an idiopathic isolated popliteal aneurysm.

Report

A 6 year old boy presented with an acutely ischaemic right foot. Computed tomography angiography confirmed a thrombosed popliteal aneurysm. A femoropopliteal bypass was performed with reversed long saphenous vein and ligation of the aneurysm. Yearly follow up is ongoing with ultrasound surveillance; the child's growth and development is unaffected, and the graft is patent. There was a readmission over six years later with claudication on the right side. There was evidence of thrombus in the graft with associated distal embolisation, which was managed conservatively with anticoagulation.

Discussion

Given the rarity of such presentations in the paediatric population, there is minimal good quality data to guide treatment. There have been three previous cases of idiopathic popliteal aneurysms all managed with a reversed long saphenous vein femoropopliteal bypass with resection of the aneurysm. Management should be guided based on the clinical picture and should be undertaken in specialised tertiary centres if possible. Surgical intervention is the treatment of choice in patients with an ischaemic limb.

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In children, idiopathic, true popliteal aneurysms are a rare clinical entity, with only three cases reported previously.

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Surgical options are limited; femoral popliteal bypass was performed with reversed long saphenous vein.

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There is minimal good quality data to guide treatment of these presentations in children; management should be undertaken in specialised centres.

Ligation of the aorta for a mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm in an infant

Mycotic aortic aneurysms are exceedingly uncommon in infants and they have a high risk of rupture. Their surgical management is extremely challenging. We report a case of a 22-month-old girl who presented with abdominal pain and fever revealing a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the infrarenal aorta. The surgical treatment consisted of a ligature of the proximal and distal ends of the aneurysm. Postoperative course was significant for hypertension. A year and a half follow-up showed no other complications. Limited data are available concerning our chosen technique, but the reported cases showed a good short-term outcome.

Posterior tibial artery aneurysm in a child with SMAD3 mutation

Peripheral arterial aneurysms in children are uncommon. We report a 6-year-old boy who developed a right posterior tibial artery aneurysm with symptoms including pain and pulsatile tenderness. His genetic testing revealed a SMAD3 mutation, a condition associated with familial aortic aneurysm, early-onset of osteoarthritis, and peripheral aneurysms. The posterior tibial artery aneurysm was treated with surgical resection and primary anastomosis. The patient remained free of symptoms or aneurysm recurrence in his tibial artery 2 years later. This represents the first reported case of pediatric tibial artery aneurysm linked to a SMAD3 mutation.

Reparo de aneurisma de artéria ilíaca roto em criança

Relatamos o caso de uma menina de 12 anos que deu entrada na unidade de emergência com quadro de abdome agudo hemorrágico, massa abdominal pulsátil e instabilidade hemodinâmica. Confirmado o diagnóstico de aneurisma roto de artéria ilíaca direita, foi realizada correção cirúrgica de emergência por reparo aberto com reconstrução extra-anatômica, utilizando enxerto sintético de fino calibre, compatível com a anatomia. O tratamento foi bem-sucedido e a criança apresentou evolução favorável em curto prazo.

Right iliac arterial aneurysm in a 4-year-old girl who does not have a right external iliac artery

Pediatric arterial aneurysm is rare disease. Among them, idiopathic-congenital arterial aneurysm is extremely rare. This is a case report of right common iliac artery idiopathic aneurysm with absence of right external iliac artery. A 4-year-old girl who had been complaining of intermittent abdominal pain since 2 years prior presented with a right lower abdominal mass that had been palpable since 6 months prior. Abdominal CT revealed a 5.2 cm × 4.5 cm × 5.1 cm, right-sided, partially thrombosed, saccular, iliac artery aneurysm. She underwent to operation, aneurismal resection. A pathological examination confirmed that it was a true aneurysm, considering that all layers of the vascular wall were stretched with no deficit. The patient was discharged 3 days after the surgery without any complication. Five months passed since the surgery, and the patient is doing well without any abdominal or leg pain.

Open Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in a Young Boy with Tuberous Sclerosis and Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are very rare in pediatric patients and can rarely be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TS). Open surgery is the first-line therapy. We report our experience added by a review on current literature.

CASE REPORT

A 9-year-old boy with TS and history of 2 earlier open repairs for AAA presented to our department with a recurrent juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. We performed a polytetraflourethylene patch plasty. Postoperative course was uneventful. After 8 months, reconstruction was stable, and no recurrent aneurysm developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent aneurysms may develop after open surgery for TS-associated AAA. However, open surgery is the recommended therapy but requires special techniques and experience in pediatric patients.

Pediatric nonaortic arterial aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Pediatric arterial aneurysms are extremely uncommon. Indications for intervention remain poorly defined and treatments vary. The impetus for this study was to better define the contemporary surgical management of pediatric nonaortic arterial aneurysms.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 41 children with 61 aneurysms who underwent surgical treatment from 1983 to 2015 at the University of Michigan. Arteries affected included: renal (n = 26), femoral (n = 7), iliac (n = 7), superior mesenteric (n = 4), brachial (n = 3), carotid (n = 3), popliteal (n = 3), axillary (n = 2), celiac (n = 2), ulnar (n = 2), common hepatic (n = 1), and temporal (n = 1). Intracranial aneurysms and aortic aneurysms treated during the same time period were not included in this study. Primary outcomes analyzed were postoperative complications, mortality, and freedom from reintervention.

RESULTS

The study included 27 boys and 14 girls, with a median age of 9.8 years (range, 2 months-18 years) and a weight of 31.0 kg (range, 3.8-71 kg). Multiple aneurysms existed in 14 children. Obvious factors that contributed to aneurysmal formation included: proximal juxta-aneurysmal stenoses (n = 14), trauma (n = 12), Kawasaki disease (n = 4), Ehlers-Danlos type IV syndrome (n = 1), and infection (n = 1). Preoperative diagnoses were established using arteriography (n = 23), magnetic resonance angiography (n = 6), computed tomographic arteriography (n = 5), or ultrasonography (n = 7), and confirmed during surgery. Indications for surgery included risk of expansion and rupture, potential thrombosis or embolization of aneurysmal thrombus, local soft tissue and nerve compression, and secondary hypertension in the case of renal artery aneurysms. Primary surgical techniques included: aneurysm resection with reanastomsis, reimplantation, or angioplastic closure (n = 16), interposition (n = 10) or bypass grafts (n = 2), ligation (n = 9), plication (n = 8), endovascular occlusion (n = 3), and nephrectomy (n = 4) in cases of unreconstructable renal aneurysmal disease. Later secondary operations were required to treat stenoses at the site of the original aneurysm repairs (n = 2) and new aneurysmal development (n = 1). Postoperative follow-up averaged 47 months (range, 1-349 months). No major perioperative morbidity and no mortality was encountered in this experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric arterial aneurysms represent a complex disease that affects multiple vascular territories. Results of the current series suggest that individualized surgical treatment, ranging from simple ligations to major arterial reconstructions, was durable and can be undertaken with minimal risk.

Prenatal diagnosis and postnatal course of a giant abdominal aortic aneurysm: a case report

Congenital abdominal aortic aneurysms are rare but have chronic and life-threatening sequelae including hypertension, thromboses, and death. A fetal ultrasound at 27 weeks’ gestation diagnosed a giant abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient delivered at another tertiary care center where pediatric cardiovascular surgery care was available. Her term 3096-g female infant developed hypertension, biventricular hypertrophy, and right kidney ischemia. She underwent surgical repair at 2 months of life but subsequently lost all residual renal function and was not a candidate for dialysis. Support was withdrawn and she expired. Although isolated fetal AAA is rare, prenatal diagnosis is feasible and facilitates early referral for multi-disciplinary postnatal care. Outcome depends on the size and location of the aneurysm as well as on peri-operative complications.

Imaging of renin-mediated hypertension in children

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to review the imaging findings of common and uncommon causes of renin-mediated hypertension in children using a multimodality radiologic approach.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric hypertension, although uncommon, is often due to aortic or renal artery narrowing. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and characterization of pediatric renin-mediated causes of hypertension.

Delayed rupture of a pseudoaneurysm in the brachial artery of a burn reconstruction patient

A brachial artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but serious condition that can be limb threatening. A number of reports have found that it may be the result of damage to the blood vessels around the brachial artery, either directly or indirectly, due to trauma or systemic diseases. We present our experience of delayed pseudoaneurysm rupture of the brachial artery in a rehabilitation patient with burns of the upper extremity who underwent fasciotomy and musculocutaneous flap coverage. We also provide a review of the brachial artery pseudoaneurysm.

Ulnar artery aneurysm causing palmar mass in 5-month-old girl

A 5-month-old previously healthy girl presented to the emergency department with a large palpable nontender mass in the hypothenar soft tissues of her left hand. US revealed a well-demarcated nonvascular soft tissue mass. Subsequent MR imaging showed a rim-enhancing mass with heterogeneous intrinsic signal characteristics. Abscess and necrotic tumor were the primary considerations. Surgery demonstrated a thrombosed aneurysm continuous with the ulnar artery system. The aneurysm was resected and the ulnar artery was ligated at the wrist.

Congenital-idiopathic superficial femoral artery aneurysm in a 7-year-old child

Superficial femoral artery aneurysm in children is distinctly uncommon, and usually results from infection, vasculitis, connective tissue disorder, or trauma. We report a 7-year-old girl who had multiple fusiform aneurysms of the right superficial femoral artery, with no evidence of related disorders. The patient successfully underwent aneurysm resection and femoral artery reconstruction with autogenous saphenous vein. Histologic examination revealed intimal thickening with fibroplasia without severe inflammatory infiltrates or cystic medial necrosis, suggesting a congenital-idiopathic arterial aneurysm. Three years after the procedure, the saphenous vein graft is fully patent and the patient is in good condition.

Causes and histopathology of ascending aortic disease in children and young adults

BACKGROUND

Ascending aortic diseases (aneurysms, dissections, and stenosis) and associated aortic valve disease are rare but important causes of morbidity and mortality in children and young adults. Certain genetic causes, such as Marfan syndrome and congenital bicuspid aortic valve disease, are well known. However, other rarer genetic and nongenetic causes of aortic disease exist.

METHODS

We performed an extensive literature search to identify known causes of ascending aortic pathology in children and young adults. We catalogued both aortic pathologies and other defining systemic features of these diseases.

RESULTS

We describe 17 predominantly genetic entities that have been associated with thoracic aortic disease in this age group.

CONCLUSIONS

While extensive literature on the common causes of ascending aortic disease exists, there is a need for better histologic documentation of aortic pathology in rarer diseases.

Occurrence of aortic aneurysms in 5 cases of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Aortic aneurysms are a rare condition in children. Here we report the occurrence of aortic aneurysms in 5 children with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS). Three patients had a WAS score of 4, and 2 patients had a WAS score of 5, but autoimmunity was only present in 1 patient. Discovery was fortuitous in 4 cases after chest radiography or thoracic or abdominal computed tomography, which was performed to investigate unrelated symptoms; in 1 patient, thoracic pain was an alerting sign. Age at diagnosis was 10 to 16 years. Aneurysms were confined to the thoracic aorta in 4 cases and to the abdominal aorta in 1 case and were from 2 to 6 cm in size. Aortic surgery was successfully performed on the single symptomatic patient. Two other patients are alive: there has been a low progression of the aneurysm 15 years after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in 1 patient and no evidence of progression after 12 years of follow-up without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the second patient. Two patients died 2 and 4 years after diagnosis from unrelated complications. A systematic retrospective search of 33 other patients with WAS for whom imaging material was available did not reveal the presence of aortic aneurysms. This unusual frequency of aortic aneurysm found in patients with WAS (5 of 38) indicates that aneurysm can be an underdiagnosed complication of WAS. It is presently unclear whether it is caused by an infectious and/or autoimmune/inflammatory process. Therefore, we suggest that aneurysms of large vessels should be systematically searched for in patients with WAS.

Diagnosis and Excision of An Ulnar Artery Aneurysm in a Two-Year-Old Boy

Ulnar artery aneurysms in children younger than 10 years of age are rare, with fewer than 10 reported cases worldwide. Unlike adult arterial aneurysms, the etiology of these lesions in children is not well understood, and there is no accepted method for treating these lesions. The method of diagnosis and excision of an ulnar artery aneurysm that showed a favourable outcome in a two-year-old boy is presented. Different approaches to treating similar lesions have been reported, and these approaches are briefly reviewed.