Massive vertebral destruction associated with chronic rupture of infrarenal aortic aneurysm: case report and systematic review of the literature in the English language

Temporal bone remodeling is an indicator of transverse sinus stenosis on computed tomography

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify potential association between transverse sinus stenosis (TSS) and temporal bone thinning downstream of TSS on computed tomography (CT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and radiological data of patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus due to TSS (TSS group) and treated with stenting from 2019 to 2022 were retrospectively collected. An age-matched control group of patients with venous or neutral pulsatile tinnitus (control group) was built. CT measurements of temporal bone thickness were performed at the level of transverse-sigmoid sinus junction (E1) and the occipitomastoid suture (E2). E1; E2 and E1/E2 ratios obtained in TSS and control groups were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients with venous pulsatile tinnitus were included. There were 56 patients with TSS (TSS group; 56 women; mean age, 35.5 ± 11.3 [standard deviation] years) and 66 patients without TSS (control group; 54 women; mean age, 37.7 ± 10.5 [standard deviation] years). E1 measurements and E1/E2 ratios on the symptomatic and dominant sides were significantly lower in the TSS group by comparison with the contralateral side of the same group (P < 0.05) and the ipsilateral side of the control group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in median E2 values between the TSS group (6.8 mm; range: 3.5-10.8 mm) and the control group (7.1 mm; range: 2.9-11.2 mm) (P = 0.098). E1 = 0 mm was found only in the TSS group. At receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, an E1/E2 ratio threshold of 0.562 maximized the ability to predict presence of TSS. An E1/E2 ratio < 0.562 was predictive of symptomatic TSS with an accuracy of 74% (95% confidence interval: 65-82%). The AUC for the diagnosis of TSS was 0.807 (95% CI: 0.729-0.885).

CONCLUSION

Temporal bone thickness is significantly reduced downstream of the stenosis on the pulsatile tinnitus side and may be a good indicator of symptomatic TSS.

Extravertebral low back pain: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general practice. Currently, LBP is categorised into specific and non-specific causes. However, extravertebral causes, such as abdominal aortic aneurysm or pancreatitis, are not being considered.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed across MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane library, complemented by a handsearch. Studies conducted between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2020, where LBP was the main symptom, were included.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 6040 studies, from which duplicates were removed, leaving 4105 studies for title and abstract screening. Subsequently, 265 publications were selected for inclusion, with an additional 197 publications identified through the handsearch. The majority of the studies were case reports and case series, predominantly originating from specialised care settings. A clear distinction between vertebral or rare causes of LBP was not always possible. A range of diseases were identified as potential extravertebral causes of LBP, encompassing gynaecological, urological, vascular, systemic, and gastrointestinal diseases. Notably, guidelines exhibited inconsistencies in addressing extravertebral causes.

DISCUSSION

Prior to this review, there has been no systematic investigation into extravertebral causes of LBP. Although these causes are rare, the absence of robust and reliable epidemiological data hinders a comprehensive understanding, as well as the lack of standardised protocols, which contributes to a lack of accurate description of indicative symptoms. While there are certain disease-specific characteristics, such as non-mechanical or cyclical LBP, and atypical accompanying symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, or leg swelling, that may suggest extravertebral causes, it is important to recognise that these features are not universally present in every patient.

CONCLUSION

The differential diagnosis of extravertebral LBP is extensive with relatively low prevalence rates dependent on the clinical setting. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for extravertebral aetiologies, especially in patients presenting with atypical accompanying symptoms.

Conservative Treatment of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Although nonsurgical management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) is still used among a significant number of patients, survival after conservative treatment is extremely rare. We report a case of an 86-year-old female who presented with an rAAA that was confirmed clinically and radiologically via computed tomography angiography. Although the patient was not deemed a candidate for surgery owing to significant comorbidities and poor baseline function, she survived the episode with no surgical intervention. Given the growing aging and frail population, it is vital to explore this further, with the aim of improving both mortality and advanced care planning in the nonsurgical management of rAAA.

Lumbar Spondylodiscitis Mimicking Cholecystitis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

 Lower back pain is a frequent cause of emergency department visits and one of the leading causes of the disease burden worldwide. The purpose of this case report and literature review was to discuss atypical abdominal entities mimicking spinal diseases typically presenting with lower back pain.

METHODS

 A 79-year-old man presented with lower back pain and urinary incontinence after receiving a non-image-guided lumbar infiltration treatment 4 weeks prior to admission. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) highlighted multisegmental hyperintensities in the intervertebral disk spaces of the lumbar spine indicative for spondylodiscitis. Antibiotic treatment over a week did not lead to significant clinical improvement. Blood cultures, cardiologic, otorhinolaryngologic, and dental examinations turned out negative for a focus of infection. A computed tomography (CT) guided biopsy was indicated after discontinuation of antibiotic treatment for less than 24 hours. Rapid clinical deterioration with concomitant onset of abdominal pain resulted in the diagnosis of cholecystitis, which required cholecystectomy. We performed a systematic literature review using the Pubmed database for the keywords "spondylodiscitis," "spine," "abdominal," and "cholecystitis," to identify abdominal diseases that mimic spine pathologies and spinal diseases that mimic abdominal pathologies.

RESULTS

 No other report in English literature of cholecystitis associated with initial onset of lower back pain was identified. Eighteen reports referred to abdominal conditions that mimic spinal diseases, among them a patient with cyclic lumbar back pain who received a lumbar spinal fusion who, after persisting symptoms led to further diagnostic procedures, was ultimately diagnosed with endometriosis. Spinal symptoms included paraplegia and urinary incontinence as results of acute aortic pathologies. Eleven reports presented spinal pain mimicking abdominal conditions including abdominal pain and diarrhea as well as have had surgical procedures such as an appendectomy before the spinal condition was discovered.

CONCLUSION

 Clinical symptoms of the spine such as lower back pain can be unspecific and lead to false conclusions in the presence of concomitant pathologies in MRI. Only clinical deterioration in our case patient prompted correction of the diagnosis on day 7. Initial workup for alternative common infectious foci such as lung and urinary tract was performed, but further abdominal workup despite the absence of abdominal symptoms may have led to an earlier diagnosis. Our literature review found several cases of misdiagnosed spinal and abdominal conditions. Some had undergone unnecessary surgical procedures before the right diagnosis was made. Because of the high incidence of symptoms such as lumbar back pain and abdominal pain, considering optimal patient care as well as economic aspects, it would be essential to conduct an interdisciplinary clinical management to avoid errors in the early stage of diagnostics.

A Rare Case of Contained Chronic Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated With Vertebral Erosion: Pre- and Post-operative Findings on Computed Tomography and a Narrative Review

Contained chronic rupture of aortic aneurysm (CCR-AA) is a rare condition that can be associated with vertebral body erosion (VBE) and is often a diagnostic challenge; in fact, CCR-AAs are in general hemodynamically stable and the patients tend to present with a non-specific low-back pain syndrome secondary to vertebral involvement. Furthermore, the differential diagnosis of a retroperitoneal mass can be difficult on medical imaging. We discuss the case of a 79-years-old man, heavy smoker without history of cardiovascular diseases, admitted to the emergency department with signs of left lower limb ischemia. The patient was hemodynamically stable and the medical examination revealed a pulsatile abdominal mass. Doppler ultrasound showed the presence of aneurysmal dilatation of infra-renal abdominal aorta and chronic femoropopliteal occlusion on the left side. The subsequent computed tomography angiography (CTA) demonstrated a voluminous retroperitoneal mass continuous with the infra-renal aorta, which infiltrated the psoas muscles and caused vertebral bodies erosion of the anterior wall in L2, L3 and L4 suspected for CCR-AA or mycotic aortic aneurysm. Furthermore, the examination confirmed the occlusion of the peripheral arterial circulation of the left lower limb. The patient underwent a successful open replacement of the infra-renal abdominal aorta through aorto-aortic prosthetic graft insertion; the visualization during the surgical procedure of a posterior vessel wall opening in continuity with the eroded vertebral bodies associated with negative microbiological culture of the thrombotic material sample, led to the definitive diagnosis of CCR-AA. The post-operative CTA showed successful open vascular treatment. A bypass surgery of the left lower limb was then performed with positioning saphenous graft between femoral common artery and posterior tibial artery. The patient was finally discharged in good clinical conditions.

Vertebral body erosion by a chronic contained rupture of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm: systematic review and spine surgical recommendations

BACKGROUND

Vertebral body erosion (VBE) is commonly caused by neoplastic, inflammatory or infectious diseases: it can be rarely associated with aortic wall disorders, such as contained rupture of aortic aneurysm (CCR-AA). CCR-AA is a rare event consisting of less than 5% of all reported cases. This condition is easily undiagnosed, differential diagnosis may be challenging, and there is no consensus or recommendation that dictates guidance on management of spinal surgical treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a systematic review of literature of all cases of VBE secondary to CCR-AA to identify clinical, radiological, and surgical outcome characteristics with the aim of providing a basis for future research studies.

RESULTS

The search returned a total of 80 patients. All reported cases have a history of hypertension. In almost all cases the AA size reported was very high (mean diameter of 7.056 cm). The treatment of this condition involves various reported treatment strategies: a totally conservative approach, treatment of the aortic aneurysm through a minimally invasive endovascular procedure, or through open surgery and combined approach. Despite the wide variability in therapeutic strategy, the rate of good outcomes was 80%, relatively high.

CONCLUSIONS

''Back pain'' and pain along the vertebral column are such frequent complaints that unusual etiologies or serious and life threatening complications may be overlooked. In addition to the common traumatic and degenerative causes of back pain, AA must also be considered. A combined approach between vascular and spine surgery could be achieved without any increased risk.

Late Rupture of a Thrombosed Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm – a Case Report

Introduction: Severe back pain caused by a thrombosed and ruptured aortic abdominal aneurysm can imitate a lumbar disc herniation.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 72-year-old diabetic patient with chronic atrial fibrillation, who had been experiencing high-intensity low back pain and claudication in the last year prior to his presentation. After experiencing a minor trauma, a lumbar MRI examination was performed, which revealed a retroperitoneal tumoral mass compressing and eroding the L2–L4 vertebral bodies. Computed tomography angiography showed an infrarenal aortic aneurysm (3.374 × 3.765 cm) which appeared to have ruptured and thrombosed. The question arising was when did the rupture occur, how massive was the damage, and how suitable for reconstruction was the aortic wall below the origin of the renal arteries. An open repair was scheduled and performed. The intraoperative finding was ruptured aneurysm of the thrombosed infra-abdominal aorta. The thrombosis extended along the common iliac and external iliac branches. We performed an aortobifemoral bypass using a 16 × 8 mm Dacron graft, clamping the aorta above the origin of the renal arteries.

Conclusion: The unintentional diagnosis, due to a minor fall, was overall a fortunate event for this patient. Aortic aneurysms may present with lumbar pain that can be mistakenly interpreted as a spinal issue.

Vertebral destruction due to abdominal aortic aneurysm

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Low back pain is a common cause of medical consultation, and usually supposes a non-malignant prognostic.

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We report an abdominal aortic aneurism (AAA) as atypical etiology of low back pain.

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We should consider AAA as other cause of low back pain and routinely examine the abdomen and seek complementary imaging proves when risk factors for AAA are present.

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Orthopedic surgery for back spine stabilization has to be elective in those cases when vertebral destruction is above 30% and clinic is directly related to spine instability.

Introduction

Low back pain is a common cause of medical consultation, and usually supposes a non-malignant prognostic.

Presentation of case

We report an atypical appearance of low back pain associated to shock and pulsatile abdominal mass that made us diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm as reason of vertebral lysis and pain.

Discusion

Surgical repair of contained AAA should be directed to secondary re-rupture prevention, with an approximate survival near to 100% at selected patients for elective surgery. Consequently, orthopedic surgery for back spine stabilization has to be elective in those cases when vertebral destruction is above 30% and clinic is directly related to spine instability.

Conclusion

We should consider AAA as other cause of low back pain and routinely examine the abdomen and seek complementary imaging proves when risk factors for AAA are present.

Aseptic lysis L2-L3 as complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

Osteolytic vertebral erosion is usually related to tumours, spondylitis or spondylodiscitis. Few reports in the literature describe lytic lesions of anterior lumbar vertebral bodies resulting from abdominal aortic aneurysm or false aneurysm. We report a case of abdominal aortic false aneurysm that caused lytic lesions of the second and third vertebral bodies in an 80-year-old man who underwent endovascular aneurysm repair. Fluoroscopy guided biopsy excluded infection or tumour. We performed a posterior spinal fusion and decompression because of bone loss of the second and third lumbar vertebral bodies and central stenosis. Postoperatively the patient showed satisfactory relief in low-back and thigh pain but, unfortunately, he died 1 month after surgery because of respiratory complications. This case suggests that when a lytic lesion of a lumbar vertebral body is discovered in a patient who has undergone endovascular aneurysm repair, an abdominal aortic false aneurysm may be the cause of the vertebral erosion even in cases without infective pathogenesis.

Chronic contained rupture of aortic aneurysm with thoracic vertebral erosion

A 66-year-old man was transferred to our hospital with the diagnosis of a large thoracoabdominal aneurysm. Computed tomography showed thoracic vertebral erosion, suggesting a chronic contained rupture. He was hemodynamically stable with no neurological complication preoperatively. He underwent successful surgical replacement of the descending aorta. During surgery, the 6th and 7th thoracic vertebral bones adjacent to the thoracic aneurysm were found to be eroded. The postoperative course was uneventful.

Abdominal aortic rupture and spondylodiscitis: emergent EVAR and staged spinal fixation

Concomitant aortic aneurismal pathology and vertebral erosion are seldom reported in literature. The differential diagnosis between a primary vertebral disease affecting the aortic wall and a primary aortic pathology causing a vertebral disruption is quite difficult. We report on a patient presenting with increasing lumbar pain and neurologic lower limbs deficit due to a vertebral erosion accompanied by aortic rupture treated by emergent endovascular aortic repair procedure and then staged vertebral fixation. Microbiological tests on intraoperative periaortic fluid collection samples showed no clear sign of infection and clinical conditions progressively improved. At 12-month follow-up, the patient is in good clinical condition, with a small residual walking impairment and no clinical, laboratory, or imaging sign of aortic endograft infection.