Changing Profiles of Diagnostic and Treatment Options in Subclavian Artery Aneurysms

Radiological diagnosis and emergency endovascular management, and follow-up of a unruptured right subclavian artery aneurysm in an elderly patient: A case report

Right subclavian artery aneurysms are rare vascular anomalies that can present significant diagnostic and management challenges, especially in elderly patients. We present a case of a 72-year-old female who presented with sudden onset chest pain and was diagnosed with an unruptured right subclavian artery aneurysm with partial thrombus formation. Advanced imaging, including chest X-ray and contrast-enhanced CT scan, confirmed the diagnosis and guided a successful endovascular repair, stabilizing the patient. Follow-up care included regular clinical assessments and imaging studies to monitor the aneurysm's status and detect potential complications. This case underscores the critical role of early radiological diagnosis and prompt intervention in managing subclavian artery aneurysms, highlighting the effectiveness of endovascular techniques in such cases.

Congenital right subclavian artery aneurysm resection in a 30-year-old woman

Right-sided subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are exceedingly rare. The most common cause of intrathoracic SAAs is atherosclerosis; however, causes can also include infection, trauma, cystic medial degeneration, Marfan syndrome, and Takayasu arteritis. Symptoms present most commonly with compression of surrounding structures, although adverse events, including rupture, thrombosis, and embolization, can also occur. We present a case of a 30-year-old woman with an asymptomatic, 15-mm, right-sided SAA, which was successfully resected with subsequent end-to-end primary anastomosis.

A hybrid endovascular and open approach to rare thyrocervical trunk and subclavian pseudoaneurysms complicated by embolic brachial artery occlusion

Subclavian and thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysms are rare pathologies and even more so when they occur simultaneously. Treatment of these vascular injuries can be done endovascularly or with open surgery. We present a novel two-stage, hybrid open and endovascular approach to the management of a healthy 41-year-old man with no personal or family history of connective tissue disorders, who presented with subclavian branch and thyrocervical trunk pseudoaneurysms complicated by brachial artery occlusion. The pseudoaneurysms were treated with microvascular plug deployment, followed by subclavian artery covered stenting, with treatment of the brachial occlusion via open thrombectomy with patch angioplasty. The patient recovered without any complications.

Open repair of a proximal left subclavian artery mycotic aneurysm with median claviculectomy

Surgical repair of a subclavian artery mycotic aneurysm is dependent on aneurysm-specific characteristics and anatomic exposures could require sternotomy, thoracotomy, or supraclavicular incisions. Alternatively, a median claviculectomy can be used. We successfully performed a subclavian artery to axillary artery bypass with median claviculectomy in a 23-year-old man with multiple comorbidities. Postoperative Doppler ultrasound showed a patent left axillary artery with a palpable left radial artery, and the patient demonstrated full left shoulder range of motion without any significant deformities. This case suggests that a median claviculectomy can produce satisfactory outcomes in patients with subclavian artery mycotic aneurysms.

Total arch replacement using frozen elephant trunk and repair of bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms in a patient with type 2 Loeys-Dietz syndrome

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder. Vessel tortuosity and aneurysms throughout the vasculature are unique to LDS. Aortic root enlargement is ubiquitous, with most patients undergoing root replacement at some point in their lifetime. Multiple vascular procedures are required to prolong life expectancy. We describe a staged hybrid approach to a 17-year-old patient with LDS presenting with ascending aorta, arch, and bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms and prominent tortuosity. Transposition of the left vertebral and subclavian arteries onto the common carotid artery was performed. Total aortic arch replacement with frozen elephant trunk extension into the descending thoracic aorta was performed as a second stage. Bilateral subclavian artery aneurysms were excluded with the use of a four-branched graft.

Surgical Outcome of Proximal Isolated Subclavian Artery Aneurysms: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to introduce our institutional experience of treatment strategies (cervical subclavian artery reconstruction, thoracotomy subclavian artery reconstruction and endovascular treatment) for proximal isolated subclavian artery aneurysms (PISAAs).

METHODS

we retrospectively analyzed 15 consecutive patients with PISAAs treated by different treatment strategies (cervical reconstruction, thoracotomy reconstruction and endovascular treatment) in our institution from May 2016 to May 2022. Baseline data, surgery-related data, postoperative information and long-term follow-up were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 17 PISAAs in 15 consecutive patients were treated in our institution. The success rates of subclavian artery reconstruction in the cervical reconstruction, the thoracotomy reconstruction and the endovascular treatment were 100%, 100 and 83.33%, respectively. About the involved vertebral artery, the reconstruction rates in the cervical reconstruction, the thoracotomy reconstruction, and the endovascular treatment were 80%, 75%, and 0, respectively. The intraoperative blood loss in the thoracotomy reconstruction was significantly higher than that in the cervical reconstruction and the endovascular treatment (p<0.05). The total operation time of the thoracotomy reconstruction was significantly longer than that of the cervical reconstruction and the endovascular treatment (p<0.05). In terms of postoperative ventilator use time, total postoperative drainage fluid, total postoperative drainage time, and ICU duration, both the thoracotomy reconstruction and the cervical reconstruction were significantly more than the endovascular treatment (p<0.05). During the follow-up, one patient in the endovascular treatment underwent re-intervention 22 months after surgery due to in-stent occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with PISAAs, different treatment strategies are recommended depending on the size of the aneurysms and whether the involved vertebral arteries require reconstruction.

CLINICAL IMPACT

This article is the largest study on the treatment strategies of PISAAs. By comparing the prognosis and complications of endovascular treatment with those of open surgery, it provides a certain reference basis for the choice of treatment for patients with PISAAs. For patients with aneurysms' diameter of >50 mm, the thoracotomy subclavian artery reconstruction is recommended; for patients with aneurysms' diameter of <30 mm requiring reconstruction of the involved vertebral arteries, the cervical subclavian artery reconstruction is recommended; for patients with aneurysms' diameter of <30 mm not requiring reconstruction of the involved vertebral arteries, the endovascular treatment is recommended.

Hybrid staged approach to subclavian artery aneurysm repair with aberrant dominant left vertebral artery

Intrathoracic subclavian aneurysms are a rare entity, accounting for only a small percentage of all repaired aneurysms. These are repaired to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications of rupture, thrombosis and distal embolization. Most of these are amenable to thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR), which has resulted in an associated reduction in operative mortality. When there is a proximal involvement of the artery, revascularization is recommended prior to TEVAR. Herein, we present the case of a proximal subclavian aneurysm with an aberrant left vertebral artery that originated off the aortic arch. This was repaired using a two staged approach; carotid-subclavian bypass with vertebral artery-transposition followed by TEVAR.

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome due to thrombosis of the left subclavian artery aneurysm: a case report

Background

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome (CSSS) is an often easily overlooked cause of angina that may occur after a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure. The onset of CSSS several years after coronary revascularization has been described in case reports, and in the few retrospective reviews that compare the endovascular approach with surgical treatment. Subclavian stenosis can naturally coincide with coronary artery disease and may already be present during the initial CABG.

Case summary

A 59-year-old male with a history of three-vessel disease who had a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) bypass graft, exhibited a gradual worsening of angina that coincided with numbness and impaired function of the left fingers, hand, and arm. Myocardial perfusion imaging showed reversible ischaemia, and coronary angiography suggested a thrombotic lesion proximal to the LIMA ostium. Calcified and partially thrombosed proximal left subclavian artery (LSA) aneurysm was visualized using computed tomography imaging, whereas Doppler ultrasound revealed a partially reversed vertebral flow. The lowest risk treatment was a bypass between the left common carotid artery and the LSA. The procedure was immediately successful, with cessation of symptoms and a favourable medium-term outcome.

Discussion

As no guidelines exist for such cases, the importance of multidisciplinary co-operation in diagnostics and devising a treatment plan is underlined. Moreover, screening for subclavian artery stenosis in CABG candidates should be warranted as part of the initial preoperative assessment.

Coarctation of aorta combined with multiple aneurysms

We reported a case of a 53-year-old patient with coarctation of the aorta and multiple aneurysmatic changes on the aortic arch. Enhanced computed tomography and reconstruction revealed significant coarctation and multiple aneurysmatic dilatations. The patient underwent stent implantation and was discharged with symptoms relieved. Follow-up examination progression of aneurysms, however, without symptoms.

Operative repair of right intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms in patients with genetic arteriopathy

True intrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysms (SCAAs) are rare and have various etiologies. Right intrathoracic SCAAs pose specific anatomic challenges to repair. We present three different operative approaches, open, endovascular, and hybrid repair, for the repair of a right intrathoracic SCAA in three patients with genetic arteriopathy: Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and unspecified Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, respectively. These cases demonstrate an individualized operative approach based on the genetic diagnosis for each patient presenting with a right intrathoracic SCAA.

Coil embolization with open frozen hybrid graft for complex left subclavian artery/proximal descending aortic aneurysm in a young patient

An LSCA aneurysm is a rare disease. When and how to operate are debated. While open surgery was initially considered the sole option, emerging endovascular techniques have been described. The present report describes a novel hybrid technique to treat an LSCA aneurysm combined to a proximal descending aneurysm in a young 25-year-old patient.

Endovascular Repair for Giant Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm With Gore Viabahn and Pull-Through Procedure: A Case Report

Background

Giant true subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) (>5 cm) are rare. Technical and anatomical considerations complicate the endovascular treatment of SAAs and pose some challenges. Here, we present a giant right SAA that was successfully excluded using stent grafts with the pull-through technique after two interventional steps and discuss the pull-through technique details as well as the lessons to be learned from this case.

Methods

A 50-year-old man presented at our department complaining of dyspnea and hoarseness. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed a giant right SAA with partial intraluminal thrombus and severe angulated aneurysm necks originating from the proximal right subclavian artery, approximately 70 × 71 mm in size.

Outcomes

An 8 × 100-mm Gore Viabahn was selected to exclude the SAA. A decision was made to stabilize the wire tension using the pull-through technique. Final angiography showed that the SAA was essentially excluded, and slight endoleak was observed. At 6 months, imaging showed that the aneurysm was not obviously shrinking, there was still an endoleak and stent graft dislodgement was observed. Angiography confirmed a type Ia endoleak, which was managed by the placement of a 10 × 50-mm Gore Viabahn, again with the assistance of the pull-through technique. At the 25-month follow-up, CTA showed that the SAA was satisfactorily excluded, with no endoleak, and the SAA was reduced in size.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of SAAs is a safe, reliable and minimally invasive approach. The pull-through technique may improve wire tension and device stabilization. Additionally, size selection and positioning should be reappraised under a severely angulated aneurysm neck.

Asymptomatic Giant Aneurysm of the Arteria Lusoria Treated by Debranching and Aneurysmal Resection

The aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA, arteria lusoria) is the most common intrathoracic vascular anomaly, affecting up to 2% of the population. However, aneurysms of congenital anomalies are extremely unusual and often present with dysphagia, dysphonia, or dyspnea due to compression of the surrounding structures. We report a case of an asymptomatic 57-year-old male with chronic kidney disease who was incidentally found to have a large aneurysm of the ARSA on preoperative computed tomography for laparoscopic nephrectomy. Surgery is unequivocally warranted as these aneurysms are associated with a high risk of complications, including thrombosis, embolism, and rupture. We debranched the ARSA, followed by anastomosis to the right carotid artery through a right neck incision. Subsequently, aneurysmal resection was performed through left thoracotomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was asymptomatic during the follow-up.

Endovascular treatment with an iliac branch endoprosthesis for a right subclavian artery aneurysm

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare peripheral artery aneurysms, and open surgical repair is the reference standard treatment. We have reported the case a patient with a right subclavian artery aneurysm who was not indicated for open surgical repair because of comorbidities. Thus, endovascular treatment using the Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis (WL Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) was performed, leading to complete aneurysmal exclusion without perioperative complications. Although anatomic limitations exist, this technique could be alternative treatment option for right subclavian artery aneurysms.

Open surgical treatment of subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm after endovascular repair: a case report

Background

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare but may cause life-threatening complications. Surgical repair has been performed as a treatment of choice, but recently, with the development of endovascular treatment, many endovascular repairs have been performed to prevent surgical complications.

Case presentation

A patient undergoing endovascular repair with a subclavian artery aneurysm was diagnosed with a type II endoleak with an enlarged aneurysmal sac. Surgical repair was performed to remove the aneurysmal sac compressing the adjacent organs.

Conclusions

The highly mobile subclavian artery has abundant collaterals. Therefore, regular follow-up is essential for endovascular repair. Surgical repair is effective when adjacent organs are compressed by the aneurysm sac.

Claviculectomy for exposure and redo repair of expanding, recurrent right subclavian aneurysm

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare, and their repair can be technically complex. We have reported the redo repair of a large, expanding, right SAA after primary repair consisting of total aortic arch replacement with bilateral subclavian artery ligation and bypass. The redo repair used claviculectomy to facilitate exposure, ligation of the right deep cervical and internal thoracic arteries from within the aneurysm sac, and revision of the previous axillary artery bypass that had thrombosed owing to the mass effect of the expanding SAA. Claviculectomy can facilitate repair of large SAAs that are poorly suited to more routine exposure approaches, with acceptable risk and functional outcomes.

Extra-thoracic rupture of giant subclavian artery aneurysm

Subclavian artery aneurysms are rare, but they are frequently responsible for limb or life-threatening complications. The clinical presentation, as supraclavicular mass to rupture, has been reported in literature, with management strategies being endovascular intervention to open conventional surgery. We report a case of giant subclavian artery aneurysm measuring 10 cm × 12 cm, which presented with a large anterior chest wall lump and massive bleed to our emergency department. We successfully treated this patient by ligating the aneurysm and evacuating the chest wall haematoma.

A Pseudocoarctation of the Aorta With a Left Subclavian Artery Aneurysm, A Case Report and A Review of the Literature

Here we present a 47-year-old male diagnosed with a pseudocoarctation of the aorta and a funnel-like subclavian artery aneurysm with a large orifice and severe aortic valve insufficiency. The patient underwent a two-stage repair for both pathologies. After an aortic valve replacement, postcardiotomy pericardial effusion occurred and was medically managed. Six months later, the patient underwent a distal arcus aorta and subclavian artery replacement with a left posterolateral thoracotomy as the second stage. Due to the strict adhesions, pulmonary veins were not cannulated and an extracorporeal bypass between the pulmonary artery and femoral artery was used for distal body perfusion. The coincidence of subclavian aneurysms and a pseudocoarctation of the aorta is rare and a literature review was performed to identify treatment options for this pathology.

Endovascular Stent Graft Repair for True and Post-Traumatic False Aneurysms of the Subclavian Artery

OBJECTIVE

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are uncommon but life-threatening, and a standard treatment approach has yet to be established. The current study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for SAAs.

METHODS

The clinical data of 18 SAA patients who underwent endovascular repair at 3 hospitals from January 2009 to December 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients (12 men and 6 women) with a mean age of 61 years were included. Six patients (33.3%) had a history of hypertension, and 5 (27.8%) had a history of chest trauma. Five patients (27.8%) were asymptomatic. Thirteen (72.2%) SAAs were true aneurysms, and the others (27.8%) were posttraumatic false aneurysms. Endovascular stent graft repair was performed in all patients without conversion to open surgery. The immediate technique success rate was 94.4%, with no postoperative death and only one case (5.6%) of endoleak that was observed on intraoperative angiography and later resolved spontaneously. All patients survived over a median follow-up time of 57 months. Follow-up imaging showed that all stent grafts remained patent, with no endoleak.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular stent graft repair is feasible, safe, and effective for true and posttraumatic false SAAs and represents a promising treatment option for these SAAs.

Isolated True Subclavian Aneurysm without Aberrant Subclavian Artery or Coarctation of Descending Aorta

OBJECTIVE

Isolated true subclavian artery aneurysm (SAA) without aberrant subclavian artery or coarctation of descending aorta is a rare peripheral aneurysm. Herein, the experience of our medical center in the treatment of this disease is presented.

METHODS

The Division operative log was queried to identify cases of SAA repair between January 2012 and September 2019 that were not associated with coarctation of the aorta or the presence of an aberrant subclavian artery. A total of 22 cases were identified. The characteristics, treatment and clinical outcomes of these cases were assessed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients was 53.5 ± 14.3 years and 14 patients were male (63.6%). Half of the cases were attributed to atherosclerotic degeneration. The clinical symptoms of aneurysms were varied, including asymptomatic, pulsatile mass of supraclavicular fossa, local pain, upper limb embolism, Horner's syndrome and hoarseness. Aneurysms were located on the right in 17 cases, on the left in 3 cases and on both sides in 2 cases. Fifteen (68%) patients underwent an intervention, of which 11 (50%) underwent an open surgical repair, and 4 (18%) underwent endovascular repair. The mean diameter of the aneurysms was 39.5 ± 20.7 mm in the open surgery group, and 24.0 ± 4.7 mm in the endovascular group. The follow-up duration ranged from 2 months to 12 years. One patient died of cardiogenic disease in the untreated group. Patients undergoing open operative repair had 100% patency of the reconstruction. In the endovascular group, one patient had stent occlusion 2 years after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common cause of isolated subclavian aneurysm without aberrant subclavian artery or coarctation of descending aorta is atherosclerosis. The clinical symptoms of aneurysms are varied, and the aneurysms tend to occur on the right side. Based on the anatomical conditions of SAAs, open surgery and endovascular repair can be used for treatment.

Coarctation of the aorta with aortic and subclavian artery aneurysms

Coarctation of the aorta discovered in adulthood is uncommon. The formation of aneurysms from the coarctation segment and in the low-pressure area is even rarer. The surgical management of coarctations can be challenging due to calcifications and concomitant cardiovascular and lung disease. We present a case with coronary artery disease, bilateral bullae, left subclavian artery aneurysm, saccular aortic aneurysms originating proximal to the coarctation and from the coarctation itself, and a remnant of ductus arteriosus. The surgical management and possible histopathologic causes for aneurysm formation are discussed.

Extrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysm in a patient with suspected genetic arteriopathy

This is a case of a 4-cm left extrathoracic subclavian artery aneurysm (SCAA) in a 58-year-old man with an aortic root and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient had features suggestive of genetic arteriopathy, including vertebral artery tortuosity, pectus excavatum, tall stature, and scoliosis. The SCAA was successfully repaired with an inline prosthetic graft and anastomotic pledgets via a supraclavicular approach. Genetic testing revealed an FBN1 pathogenic variant consistent with Marfan syndrome. Repair is satisfactory 2 years later. Patients with SCAA should include consideration of genetic arteriopathy. Open repair of the extrathoracic SCAA in Marfan syndrome is recommended.

Long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of isolated subclavian artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to review our institutional experience of endovascular treatment for isolated subclavian artery aneurysms and evaluate the long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A retrospective review of all patients with isolated subclavian artery aneurysms who underwent endovascular treatment between March 2008 and March 2020 was performed. The demographics, aneurysmal characteristics, treatment strategies, and in-hospital and follow-up outcomes were recorded and then analyzed.

RESULTS

From March 2008 to March 2020, 35 isolated subclavian artery aneurysms were endovascularly treated at our institution. Atherosclerosis was the most common cause of aneurysms in this series. Most aneurysms were intrathoracic (91.4%) and located at the right side (77.1%). There were 26 true aneurysms, seven pseudoaneurysms, and two ruptured isolated subclavian artery aneurysms. Five types of endovascular strategies were performed. Covered stent placement across the aneurysm was the most (54.3%) commonly used method. Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median postoperative in-hospital stay was 4.0 days (range, 1-15 days). One patient died after discharge but within 30 days of surgery due to myocardial infarction. The median follow-up time was 62.0 months (range, 3-132 months). No death, stroke, stent fractures, or severe upper limb ischemia developed during the follow-up period. The cumulative survival rate at five years was 97.1%. The overall complication rate was 25.7% and one-third of complications (8.6%) required reinterventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment for isolated subclavian artery aneurysms is safe, effective and technically achievable in most patients. Short- and long-term outcomes are promising. Reasonable and flexible use of covered stents can also get satisfactory outcomes in some complicated lesions such as isolated subclavian artery aneurysms located at the origin of the right subclavian artery, avoiding the huge surgical trauma caused by conventional open repair.

Pseudoaneurysm of the subclavian artery following clavicle fracture due to blunt traumatism: a case report

The clavicle fractures are frequent, vascular injuries associated with closed fractures of clavicle are rare. The pseudoaneurysms of the subclavian artery constitute an exceptional complication. We report a case of a 40-year-old who presented an expanding hematoma of the right side of the neck after a road traffic accident. Radiography of the right shoulder showed a midclavicular fracture. An arterial doppler of vessels showed a circulating hematoma in the contact of the right subclavian artery with a correct distality flow. Computed tomographic angiogram of the chest confirmed the diagnosis of a false aneurysm in the postvertebral portion of the right subclavian artery. The treatment was surgical and consisted of excision of the false aneurysm and a repair of the arterial injury by an arterial patch, the clavicle was fixed with a reconstruction plate and screws. Early intervention appears to be indicated due to the risk of thrombo-embolic complications. Endovascular repair appears to be the preferred treatment modalities, due to a lower rate of cardiopulmonary complications, but it is reserved for much selected cases.

[Subclavian artery aneurysms: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic decision-making]

The article deals with the relevant literature data concerning diagnosis and treatment of subclavian artery aneurysms. This nosological entity is relatively uncommon, however its importance for modern medicine should not be underestimated. Despite a low incidence of the pathology, it should be understood that the disease's course for the patient is associated with the development of severe complications which may lead to disability or even death. The development of complications is extremely difficult to predict and stratification of risks for such patients is too complicated. It is also known that the diagnosis of a subclavian artery aneurysm is frequently an accidental finding, since the pathology may for a long time proceed symptom-free. At the same time, the subclavian artery occupies the first place by the frequency of localization of upper-limb aneurysms, thus making this problem currently important. Besides, separate attention should be paid to modern methods of correction of this disease, since implementation of high-tech interventions into vascular surgery have significantly expanded the arsenal of the operating surgeon.

Mycotic right subclavian artery aneurysm: a rare and challenging pathology

Mycotic subclavian artery aneurysms are rare but challenging pathology. We report a 67-year-old woman who presented with recurrent bacteremia secondary to chronic clavicular osteomyelitis. Imaging demonstrated a right subclavian artery aneurysm near the innominate artery bifurcation and in close proximity to the infected clavicle. Owing to the anatomic location, among other factors, she underwent open repair using a rifampin-soaked Dacron conduit. Analysis of the aneurysm wall identified bacteria consistent with intraoperative bone and blood cultures. Contributions from multiple surgical and medical specialties provided a favorable, long-term outcome for the patient.

Successful Balloon-assisted Coil Embolization of Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report

Objective

Subclavian artery aneurysms are relatively rare, and have been treated by open surgery and/or endovascular treatment using a stent graft. In this article, we report a case of unruptured right subclavian artery aneurysm successfully treated using balloon-assisted coil embolization.

Case Presentation

A 77-year-old man was diagnosed with an asymptomatic unruptured right subclavian artery aneurysm of 8 mm in diameter by follow-up CTA after surgery for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. He also had a history of cerebral infarction and clipping of an unruptured cerebral aneurysm. The subclavian artery aneurysm was treated by balloon-assisted coil embolization because its diameter increased to 17.6 mm in 2 years. Balloon assistance was mainly used to prevent protrusion of the framing coil into the parent artery, and satisfactory framing was achieved. Subsequently, the aneurysm was obliterated using filling and finishing coils. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the follow-up MRI at 18 months after treatment revealed no recanalization of the aneurysm.

Conclusion

Balloon-assisted coil embolization may be an effective treatment for subclavian artery aneurysms, but further long-term follow-up and case accumulation are needed.

Arterial-bronchial fistula from ruptured immunoglobulin G4-related subclavian artery aneurysm

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is a systemic chronic inflammatory disease caused by infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells into the systemic organs. IgG4-related arterial disease is relatively rare not only in the aorta but also in the small to medium-sized arteries. If IgG4-related vasculitis is suspected on the basis of the preoperative medical history and radiologic and serologic examination findings, a definitive diagnosis can be obtained by open repair and pathologic examination to determine the prognosis and need for additional treatment. Here, we report the successful treatment of arterial-bronchial fistula caused by a ruptured IgG4-related subclavian artery aneurysm.

Minimally Invasive Repair of Left Subclavian Artery Aneurysm

A 79 year-old gentleman with a history of trauma resulting in paraplegia was being evaluated for vascular access for hemodialysis. Cardiac catheterization revealed a large, asymptomatic left subclavian artery aneurysm. The patient was taken to the hybrid vascular intervention suite. A small incision was made in the left arm to gain access to the left brachial artery into which a sheath was inserted. The aneurysm was crossed with a wire through which two, overlapping covered stents were deployed completely excluding the aneurysm. The patient was discharged to home the following day. Endovascular exclusion has become the treatment of choice for aneurysms of the subclavian artery.

Single center experience in the management of a case series of subclavian artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare, but they may cause life- and limb-threatening complications.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of all SAA patients that underwent treatment at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade between January 1st 2006 and January 1st 2018. The paper includes analysis of etiology and therapeutic options based on the experience from our institution.

RESULTS

Twenty (80%) of SAAs involved extrathoracic (ET), while five (20%) intrathoracic (IT) segment. Out of total five IT SAAs, two were asymptomatic (40%), one had dyspnea (20%), while two (40%) had hematothorax due to rupture. Seven (35%) patients with ET SAA had shoulder pain and pulsatile mass, five (25%) acute, seven (35%) had chronic limb ischemia, while one was asymptomatic (5%). Two IT SAAs were treated with open surgery (OS). Other three cases underwent hybrid procedure. One case with ET SAA was treated endovascularly due to hostile anatomy, while in all other 19 cases of ET SAAs open repair was performed, which included: graft interposition in 10 (52.63%), end-to-end anastomosis in 7 (36.84%) cases, while bypass procedure in 2 (10.52%) patients. One of our patients (4%) died during the first 30 postoperative days.

CONCLUSIONS

SAAs are rare, however because of their natural history they have huge clinical significance. OS is the method of choice in cases of ET SAAs caused by TOS. Endovascular and hybrid treatment decrease significantly perioperative morbidity and mortality rates in cases of intrathoracic SAAs and thus should be the first option.

Endovascular Repair for Ruptured Axillary Artery Aneurysm Proximal to Hemodialysis Access

Axillary artery aneurysms are uncommon and potentially high-risk lesions threatening the upper extremities. In hemodialysis patients, arteriovenous fistulae creation rarely triggers aneurysmal degeneration and arterial aneurysms in inflow arteries. These aneurysms are usually treated by surgical repair. However, this may lead to complications because of the anatomical complexity surrounding aneurysms of axillary arteries. We report a patient undergoing hemodialysis who had a ruptured ipsilateral axillary artery aneurysm proximal to vascular access. We successfully treated it by endovascular repair with the GORE Excluder AAA contralateral leg endoprosthesis, approaching from the left brachial artery proximal to the shunt. No complications occurred during 15 months after the endovascular repair.

A case report of a ruptured subclavian artery aneurysm presenting to the emergency department

Subclavian artery aneurysms are uncommon and present a diagnostic dilemma. Our patient attended with life-threatening rupture, requiring prompt management. However, lack of on-site facilities and specialist input posed a logistical challenge. The patient was stable enough to allow an urgent transfer to a specialist unit for successful endovascular repair.

[An axillary-subclavian artery aneurysm in pre-rupture revealing Marfan syndrome]

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of connective tissue which has many clinical symptoms and whose prognosis depends on associated cardiovascular complications, dominated by proximal aortic disorders. Peripheral arterial aneurysms are rare during Marfan syndrome and are exceptionally indicative of the disease. We report the case of a large aneurysm of the axillary-subclavian artery in pre-rupture revealing a new case of Marfan syndrome. Treatment consisted in surgical repair by resection of the aneurysm and performing a venous bypass graft; the postoperative course was uneventful.

Delayed Subclavian Artery Aneurysm Following Fixation of a Clavicular Fracture

Aneurysms of the subclavian artery are rare phenomena that have the potential for limb and life-threatening complications. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of life-threatening complications or at the very least may result in a detrimental effect to both functional capacity and quality of life; primary care offers a vital opportunity to screen for such rare vascular complications and should be a consideration in all patients with evolving peripheral nerve or vascular symptoms with a history of localized clavicular trauma. We present the case of a left subclavian artery aneurysm with radial artery thrombotic sequelae following an injury and screw-plate fixation of his left clavicle. This required a 2-stage surgical approach to treatment and provides useful learning considerations for identifying rare vascular anomalies early in a primary care setting.

Endovascular Repair of Incidentally Found Subclavian Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report From an Urban Level 1 Trauma Center

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are historically rare peripheral aneurysm. However, it can be associated with serious life-threatening complications including rupture, thrombosis, and embolism. The majority of such aneurysms are found incidentally. Historically, SAA have been repaired via an open approach. Increasing case reports demonstrate successful management of SAAs with endovascular repair. The present report describes a case of incidentally discovered large proximal saccular subclavian aneurysm with suspected remote traumatic etiology with a successful endovascular repair.

Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysms with Fibromuscular Dysplasia

Subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) are rare and even more uncommon in patients with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). A 20-year-old man with a past medical history of moyamoya disease presented with an abnormal mass shadow in the apex of the right lung on chest X-ray. Based on computed tomography imaging, a diagnosis of right SAA was established, and an excision of the aneurysm was performed. Because the left vertebral artery is dominant, the proximal and distal right subclavian artery and right vertebral artery were clamped. Then, the aneurysm was excised, and resection anastomosis was performed. Histological findings revealed FMD. The postsurgical course has been uneventful after 2 years. Among treatment modalities, open surgery would be the first choice for SAAs with FMD, despite the current era of endovascular surgeries.

Open Repair of a 12-cm Posttraumatic Aneurysm of Right Subclavian Artery

Purpose

To present a rare case of a patient with a 12-cm posttraumatic right subclavian artery aneurysm successfully treated with aneurysmectomy and innominate-axillary bypass.

Case report

A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department due to progressive dyspnea and hoarseness of voice. His medical record was unremarkable except that he had right-sided pneumothorax and multiple rib fractures from a car accident 16 years ago. A chest X-ray showed a mass in the upper lobe of the right lung, and the patient was hospitalized for further investigation. A computed tomography (CT) with intravenous contrast of the thorax was performed, which depicted a giant aneurysm of the right subclavian artery. Vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons were consulted immediately, and the operation was scheduled. Aneurysmectomy and innominate-axillary bypass were performed. The patient had an uncomplicated progress and was discharged on 5 days followed by a single antiplatelet therapy and symptom-free.

Conclusion

Posttraumatic subclavian artery aneurysm is a rare entity. Imaging of the thorax is essential for the diagnosis and surgical preparation of the patient. Open repair remains the gold standard therapy for subclavian artery aneurysm despite the improvements in endovascular surgery in such huge aneurysms.

Successful Balloon Assisted Percutaneous Thrombin Injection of Right Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Purpose

To report the use of a balloon catheter to facilitate percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of a subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm.

Case report

A 36-year-old man presented with hoarseness after the insertion of a right temporary internal jugular line. Arteriography showed a short neck right subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm. A 6 mm × 40 mm balloon catheter was positioned across the neck of the pseudoaneurysm to permit percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection. Immediate post-treatment angiogram demonstrated no filling of the pseudoaneurysm. Seven-month clinical and imaging follow-up confirmed resolution of the pseudoaneurysm and hoarseness.

Conclusions

This clinical vignette highlights the potential of balloon catheter-assisted percutaneous ultrasound-guided thrombin injection as an alternative to open or endovascular repair of pseudoaneurysms of the subclavian arteries.

Endovascular repair of subclavian artery aneurysms: results from a single-center experience

Objective:

To present our experience of the endovascular treatment of subclavian artery aneurysms (SAAs) and analyze the clinical manifestations, imaging findings and treatment outcomes.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, nine patients with SAAs underwent endovascular stent placement in our center between July 2011 and June 2016. Clinical features, imaging findings, treatment outcomes and follow-up results of these SAA patients were retrospectively analyzed.

Results:

Nine patients were diagnosed with SAAs by computer tomography angiography (CTA). Five patients underwent percutaneous endovascular stent placement in the subclavian artery. Three patients underwent endovascular repair of the SAAs with coil embolization and stent graft. One patient underwent stent graft implantation by the simultaneous kissing stent technique. Five patients had their symptoms relieved and thrombosis occurred in one case. The mean follow-up period was 17 months, ranging from 8 to 40 months.

Conclusion:

For patients with SAAs, endovascular treatment is a feasible choice, with a high success rate, few complications and good clinical outcomes.