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Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
[A case of multiple tuberculous aneurysm of the abdominal aorta]
Jin Tao Han1, Jun Zhao, Jing Yuan Luan
1Department of Vascular Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100083, China.
Abstract:
Tuberculous aneurysm of the aorta is a very rare disorder. There have been only 50 reported cases of tuberculous aneurysm since 1895 till now, of which 88% were false aneurysms with majority being single in number. And only four were found to have multiple tuberculous aneurysms. The mean ages of the patients were 50+/-16 years. Treatment of tuberculous aortic aneurysm must be a combined medical and surgical approach. Once tuberculous aneurysm is identified, surgery must be performed promptly. The size of the aneurysm does not influence the need for surgery. A 70-year-old male with intermittent episodes of abdominal pain after receiving an inappropriate antitubercular therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis was diagnosed as multiple false tubercular aneurysm of abdominal aorta. An aneurysm of base 3.3 cm and greatest diameter 5 cm x 6 cm was seen just above the opening of Coeliac trunk. Also at the dorsal aspect of abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery junction and ventral aspect of renal artery false aneurysms were seen, each with the size of 1 cm in diameter. Apart from antitubercular and antimicrobial treatment, first line surgery Endovascular Exclusion of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm was performed for ruptured false abdominal aortic aneurysm. Even before the second line surgery, smaller abdominal aortic aneurysms got ruptured and the patient's party gave up further treatment. Finally the patient died of gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
Insights
Tuberculous aortic aneurysms are rare, often presenting as false aneurysms. Prompt surgical intervention combined with medical treatment is crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Aortic Aneurysm Research
Background:
- Tuberculous aneurysm of the aorta is an exceedingly rare condition, with fewer than 50 cases reported since 1895.
- The majority of reported cases (88%) are false aneurysms, typically solitary, with multiple tuberculous aneurysms being exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A case study of a 70-year-old male with multiple false tuberculous aneurysms of the abdominal aorta is presented.
- The patient presented with abdominal pain after inadequate antitubercular therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Imaging revealed a large aneurysm (5 cm x 6 cm) near the celiac trunk and two smaller aneurysms (1 cm diameter) at the aorto-mesenteric and aorto-renal junctions.
Findings:
- The patient underwent Endovascular Exclusion of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm for a ruptured aneurysm.
- Despite initial treatment, smaller aneurysms ruptured before a second surgical procedure could be performed.
- The patient ultimately succumbed to gastrointestinal hemorrhage.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for prompt surgical intervention in tuberculous aortic aneurysms, regardless of size.
- Combined medical and surgical management is essential for effective treatment.
- The high mortality associated with untreated or inadequately treated tuberculous aortic aneurysms highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and comprehensive management strategies.
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