Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm, a ticking bomb after cardiac surgery

Novel modification of a branched arch endograft with a retrograde left common carotid branch for acute pseudoaneurysm post type A repair

OBJECTIVE

Pseudoaneurysm formation post type A aortic dissection repair is rare. Revision surgical repair is challenging, with a risk of death from haemorrhage.

METHODS

We present a 56-year-old man who presented with a rapidly enlarging distal ascending aortic anastomotic pseudoaneurysm following a recent ascending and hemiarch replacement for acute type A aortic dissection.

RESULTS

A tight kink in the ascending aortic graft precluded an endovascular repair utilizing two antegrade branches, and so a novel custom-made 3 inner branched aortic endograft was designed, with an antegrade brachiocephalic inner branch and retrograde left common carotid and subclavian artery inner branches. The patient required an angioplasty to dilate the kinked/coarcted surgical graft, but made an uneventful recovery.

CONCLUSION

An aortic arch inner branch design with an antegrade brachiocephalic branch but retrograde left common carotid and left subclavian branches was feasible and may prove particularly useful when there is limited space in the ascending aorta.

Comprehensive multi-modality treatment of thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysms: a single-center experience

INTRODUCTION

Thoracic aorta false aneurysms (TAFA) are unexplored complications after cardiac surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the clinical profiles, surgical techniques, and operative outcomes, of patients treated for TAFA at a single institution.

METHODS

From 1996 to 2022, 112 patients were treated for aortic pseudoaneurysm (mean age 55 ± 14 years, 78 patients were male). In the majority of the patients (90%) TAFA developed after previous cardiovascular surgery, the most common diagnosis and surgical procedure preceding the TAFA development was an aortic dissection (52%) and Bentall procedure (47%). In the rest of the cohort, the leading cause was trauma.

RESULTS

Sixty-one percent of patients were indicated for reintervention (surgical reoperation, endoluminal graft implantation, septal occluder implantation, coil embolization, or a combination of procedures). Overall, 52 patients had undergone cardiac reoperation. TAFA was resected and the aorta was repaired in 55% or replaced in 45%. Operative mortality was 5.7%. In postoperative follow-up, a hypoechogenic lesion encircling aortic prosthesis was present in 94%, therefore it was determined as a negative prognostic factor. The mean follow-up was 13.2 ± 19.4 years.

CONCLUSION

Although there is no specific approach how to prevent TAFA development, maintaining normal blood pressure and regular follow-up should be applied. More frequent follow-ups should be performed in patients with a hypoechogenic lesion encircling and aortic prosthesis. Early detection during long-term postoperative follow-up, an individually tailored approach of a multidisciplinary team is necessary for favorable treatment outcomes.

Re-emphasis on the role of echocardiography in diagnosis of aortic root surgery complications

BACKGROUND

Aortic pseudoaneurysm is an infrequent complication of ascending aorta surgery.

CASES

This is a report of two cases that underwent the Bentall procedure that presented with large pseudoaneurysms.

CONCLUSION

Use of multimodality imaging after Bentall surgery has been advocated for the detection of surgical complications. Although 3D CT angiography has the highest diagnostic accuracy, familiarity with transthoracic echocardiographic finding in these patients will lead to earlier diagnosis.

Transcatheter Treatment of Ascending Aorta Pseudoaneurysm Guided by 3D-Model Technology

Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of atherosclerosis, infections, chest trauma, transcatheter or surgical interventions. Due to high surgical risk, percutaneous closure is considered a valuable cost-effective therapeutic alternative. In this setting, 3D printing technology is emerging as a powerful tool to plan transcatheter repair. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

The Dilemma in the Management of Thromboembolic Disease in the Setting of Concomitant Aortic Pseudoaneurysm

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm (AAP) is a rare and serious complication of cardiothoracic surgeries or blunt chest trauma. We present a patient with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, acute right pontine stroke, and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) with an incidental AAP that precluded the use of anticoagulation and surgery. The case findings substantiate the need for a CT-based assessment of aortic pathology after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in the asymptomatic patient to determine the most appropriate treatment modalities. However, the high cost of CT imaging and the potential radiation exposure challenge its routine use in high-risk patients.

3D model-guided transcatheter closure of ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm with the novel Amplatzer Trevisio intravascular delivery system

Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm (AAP) is a rare but life-threatening complication of atherosclerosis, endocarditis, chest trauma, transcatheter or cardio-thoracic procedures. Since surgical repair is burdened by high morbidity and mortality, percutaneous closure is nowadays considered a valuable cost-effective therapeutic alternative. Due to unpredictability and complexity of local anatomy, no standardized technique and device are advised. In this setting, 3D printing technology could significantly help in planning trans-catheter approach. This article reports on a 3D printed model-guided percutaneous closure of a huge AAP using an Amplatzer Septal Occluder (Abbott, Plymouth MN) implanted by the recently commercialized Amplatzer Trevisio Intravascular Delivery System.

Protective effect of angulated aorta for saving coronary artery during endovascular repair for ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after cardiothoracic surgery and the open surgical repair for this complication is challenging. We report on a patient who developed an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm after aortic valve replacement (AVR), which was treated successfully with endovascular therapy. Our case showed that angulation of the ascending aorta is one of factors for consideration in application of endovascular therapy and endovascular therapy might be an option for management of ascending aortic pathology in patients with high surgical risk, particularly patients with a severely angulated proximal ascending aorta.

Sudden death due to traumatic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms ruptured into the esophagus: 2 case reports

We present 2 rare cases of patients with uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock induced by traumatic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm rupture into the esophagus. Two men were presented to the hospital after traffic accidents. Their chest radiograph showed no obvious signs of aortic damage or aortic pseudoaneurysms but only a small amount of high-density shadow in the mediastinum and no specific clinical signs besides chest tightness or chest tenderness. The first case was misdiagnosed as pulmonary contusion and pleural effusion, and the second case was misdiagnosed as mediastinal lesions in the mediastina. They were given symptomatic and supportive treatment. Unfortunately, they died suddenly after >1 month of traumatic accident. At autopsy, ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms that broke into the esophagus and multiple organ hematocele were detected by gross examination. In histopathological examination, inflammatory cells and proliferated fibrous connective tissue were detected in the ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms, and the pathological gastrointestinal bleeding was not seen. The drugs and poisons were not found on toxicological analysis. The 2 patients died as a result of hemorrhagic shock from traumatic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm rupture into the esophagus. We suggest that thoracic surgeon should be aware of the possibility of aortic injury after chest trauma to reduce misdiagnosis and prevent similar accidents.

Endovascular Stent Graft Repair of Suture-Line Pseudoaneurysm Following Ascending Aorta Replacement

Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm (AAPA) is an uncommon complication following replacement of the ascending aorta with a prosthetic graft, carry a high risk of rupture, and warrant urgent intervention. The open surgical procedure “gold standard” of care is not always favorable, as the reoperations are technically more difficult or patient’s general condition doesn’t allow proceeding. Case discussed is an 80-year-old male patient who presented with worsening cough and hemoptysis. He underwent ascending aorta replacement 10 years ago. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a contrast-filled mediastinal mass communicating with the ascending aorta and extended into the right lung. Due to the patient’s advanced age, friability and clinical condition, combined with the position of the AAPA behind the sternum, surgery was deemed to be high risk. However, favorable anatomical conditions provided a safe landing zone for an endovascular stent. The patient underwent closed procedure. Postprocedure CT showed complete obliteration of the AAPA.