Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Shunt Surgery, Right Heart Catheterization, and Vascular Morphometry in a Rat Model for Flow-induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
09:23

Shunt Surgery, Right Heart Catheterization, and Vascular Morphometry in a Rat Model for Flow-induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Published on: February 11, 2017

Mycotic pulmonary artery aneurysm: an unusual complication of ventriculo-atrial shunt

Elliot T. Gelfand1, John C. Callaghan

  • 1Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Cardiovascular Diseases
|June 1, 1981
PubMed

Insights

A ventriculo-atrial shunt complication led to a rare mycotic pulmonary artery aneurysm in a young man. This case highlights the need for vigilance regarding shunt-related vascular issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Ventriculo-atrial shunts are used to treat hydrocephalus, often associated with brain tumors like pinealoma.
  • Subacute bacterial endocarditis is a potential complication of shunts, presenting with fever and heart murmurs.
  • Vascular complications, though rare, can arise from ventriculo-atrial shunting.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of mycotic left pulmonary artery aneurysm.
  • To discuss the association between ventriculo-atrial shunting and this vascular complication.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering shunt-related complications in patients with relevant symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a 23-year-old male with a history of ventriculo-atrial shunt.
  • Diagnostic workup including evaluation for febrile illness and heart murmur.
  • Surgical intervention involving left pneumonectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass for the aneurysm.

Main Results:

  • Initial suspicion of subacute bacterial endocarditis was revised upon further investigation.
  • A mycotic left pulmonary artery aneurysm was identified as the cause of the patient's symptoms.
  • Successful treatment was achieved through left pneumonectomy and cardiopulmonary bypass.

Conclusions:

  • Mycotic pulmonary artery aneurysm is a rare but serious complication of ventriculo-atrial shunting.
  • This case underscores the diverse and potentially severe vascular complications associated with cerebrospinal fluid shunts.
  • Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for favorable outcomes in such cases.

More Related Videos

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)13:10

Direct Re-implantation of Left Coronary Artery into the Aorta in Adults with Anomalous Origin of Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

Published on: April 24, 2017

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock07:39

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock

Published on: August 16, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...