Saccular Kommerell aneurysm, a potential pitfall on MDCT imaging - A review of imaging features and potential mimics

Emergent hybrid surgical approaches for non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm: a case report series

BACKGROUND

Kommerell's aneurysm is a saccular or fusiform dilatation found in 3-8% of Kommerell's diverticulum cases. A non-dissecting rupture rate of 6% has been reported. If ruptured, emergent surgical correction is usually granted. However, evidence regarding the optimal surgical approach in this acute setting is scarce. In this case report series, we aim to describe our experience managing type-1 non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm with hybrid emergent surgical approaches.

CASES PRESENTATION

From January 2005 to December 2020, three cases of type-1 non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysm requiring emergent surgical repair were identified. The mean age was 66.67 ± 7.76 years, and 3/3 were male. The most common symptoms were atypical chest pain, dyspnoea, and headache (2/3). The mean aneurysm's diameter was 63.67 ± 5.69 mm. Frozen Elephant Trunk was the preferred surgical approach (2/3). The Non-Frozen Elephant Trunk patient underwent a hybrid procedure consisting of a supra-aortic debranching and a zone-2 stent-graft deployment. We found a mean clamp time of 140 ± 60.75 min, cardiac arrest time of 51.33 ± 3.06 min, and a hospital stay of 13.67 ± 5.51 days. The most common complications were surgical-site infection and shock (2/3). Only one patient died (1/3).

CONCLUSION

Evidence of management for non-dissecting ruptured Kommerell's aneurysms is scarce. Additional, robust, and more extensive studies are required. The selection of the appropriate surgical approach is challenging, and each patient should be individualized. Frozen Elephant Trunk was feasible for patients requiring emergent surgical repair in our centre. However, other hybrid or open procedures can be performed.

Kommerell Aneurysm

Teaching Point: Kommerell aneurysm is a rare differential diagnosis of mediastinal enlargement on a chest radiograph that requires CT for accurate diagnosis.

Kommerell's Diverticulum With a Twist: A Case of Recurrent Wheeze in an 8-Year-Old Boy

Kommerell's diverticulum is a rare, congenital aortic arch anomaly, usually associated with other vascular abnormalities. When present with a concurrent right-sided aortic arch and an aberrant subclavian artery, this triad can form a vascular ring that encompasses the trachea and esophagus. This anatomical variant is usually asymptomatic but can present with respiratory symptoms due to compression of the trachea. In this report, we discuss a case of a Kommerell's diverticulum, which presented as frequent and recurring asthma exacerbations in a pediatric patient.