Regression of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm after endoluminal treatment with bare-metal Wallstent...

Bare-metal Wallstent endoprostheses were used to treat a 60-year-old man who had an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm, as confirmed by clinical and computed tomographic findings. The patient had concomitant coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and severe iliofemoral disease. Because of high surgical risk due to coexisting disease (including severe peripheral vascular disease), the patient was not a candidate for current endovascular methods or surgical repair. Therefore, we used the novel endovascular approach described. Serial, spiral, computed tomographic scans during a 2-year follow-up period revealed a reduction in the maximal diameter of the abdominal aortic aneurysm from 44 mm to 36 mm. Stabilization of thrombus and regression of the periaortitis were also noted. To our knowledge, this is the 1st reported case of endoluminal therapy with an uncovered stent for an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm. Bare-metal Wallstent exclusion of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms presents a treatment option for patients who are at high risk for surgery and cannot be treated with covered stent-grafts due to severe disease of the iliofemoral vessels.