Endovascular Closure of an Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Complicated by Aorto‐Pulmonary Fistula

Transarterial coil embolization of an aortic root pseudoaneurym in a patient with Loeys-Dietz syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare autosomal-dominant connective tissue disorder characterized by arterial aneurysms and vascular friability. Surgical intervention for LDS patients carries significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, the standard management of aortic root pseudoaneurysms is surgical intervention.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 20 year old male with LDS presented with a progressively enlarging ascending aortic aneurysm. He underwent a Bentall-type aortic root replacement complicated by a 20 mm aortic root anastomotic pseudoaneurysm. Due to the patient's high risk for repeat surgical intervention, he underwent successful transarterial coil embolization of his aortic root pseudoaneurysm without complication.

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization may provide an alternative treatment for patients presenting with aortic root pseudoaneurysm who are high risk for traditional surgical treatment, such as those with connective tissue disease.

Post-traumatic Aortopulmonary Fistula after Bentall Procedure

Pseudoaneurysm complicated by aortopulmonary fistula (APF) after a Bentall procedure is extremely rare but potentially fatal, so timely diagnosis and treatment are critical. We present a subacute case of a post-traumatic APF which has had initial aspecific symptoms and later an acute worsening heart failure with chest pain not responding to medical treatment and requiring emergency surgery.

Recurrent aortic root pseudoaneurysm after transcatheter occlusion-A word of caution

A 48-year-old male developed a recurrent aortic-root pseudoaneurysm after surgical repair for acute dissection. Although the initial closure of the pseudoaneurysm was successfully managed by transcatheter endovascular occlusion and coiling utilizing a hybrid transapical and transfemoral approach, the pseudoaneurysm was recanalized after 3 months and a third-time surgical repair was required. The potential risk for recurrence of pseudoaneurysms should be considered when applying endovascular occlusion devices to treat aortic root anatomy.

Use of Amplatzer occluders for treatment of aorto-pulmonary fistulas - case and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

the use of amplatzer occluder family in daily clinical practice has already overcome on-label indications, with growing clinical experience and the technological evolution of devices. Areas covered: We present the case of a patient with a very rare complication following proximal aortic surgery treated using a unique strategy. A huge pseudoaneurysm around an ascending aortic prosthesis ruptured into the right pulmonary artery. A hybrid treatment strategy consisting of percutaneous closure of the fistula followed by cardiosurgery was chosen due to the patient's poor haemodynamic condition. We also review current clinical experience of endovascular treatment of aortopulmonary fistulas by searching case reports in PubMed. Expert commentary: Closure of the APF using an Amplatzer occluder via the antegrade venous approach is feasible, and may improve the haemodynamic conditions and decrease the risk of subsequent cardiac surgery.