Minimally invasive therapy of pseudoaneurysms of the trunk: application of thrombin

Thrombin injection has been proven to be successful in postcatheterization pseudoaneurysms. However, there are only a few reports on the treatment of pseudoaneurysms of the trunk. We report our first experiences using a percutaneous as well as an endovascular access. Eight iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms of the trunk (aorta, n = 4; pulmonary artery, n = 1; gastroduodenal artery, n = 1; left gastric artery, n = 1, renal artery, n = 1) were treated either percutaneously using CT guidance (n = 3) or via an endovascular access (n = 5). Noninvasive control angiograms were performed at day 1 and weeks 1 and 3 by either CT or MR angiography. The total volume of the pseudoaneurysms was 31.2 +/- 23.1 ml on average, with a mean volume of the perfused aneurysmal lumen of 12.9 +/- 7.2 ml. The maximum diameter was 4.1 +/- 1.39 cm on average. In each case, the aneurysmal neck was not wider than 2 mm. One pseudoaneurysm occluded spontaneously following selective catheterization. The remaining pseudoaneurysms were successfully treated by injection of 765 +/- 438.1 IU thrombin. In one individual, a nontarget embolization occurred, as well as an intervention-associated rupture of a pseudoaneurysm. High-grade stenoses of the donor artery were found in a different case. Only once was the endoluminal access converted to a percutaneous one. Thrombin injection might be a future first-line treatment of vascular lesions such as pseudoaneurysms of the trunk. In our experience both percutanous and endoluminal access are technically feasible and safe. However, further experiences are mandatory, especially concerning the question of dosage and long-term results.