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Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
A rapidly expanding descending thoracic aortic aneurysm: an unusual complication
Mario Monaco1, Luigi Di Tommaso, Ugo Oliviero
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
The rate of enlargement of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm is usually low, related to initial size and anatomical position. We report a case of an old, diabetic woman, with previous history of ischemic heart disease, admitted for a broncopneumia, in which a small descending thoracic aortic aneurysm was detected by a routine computed tomography (CT) scan. Because of the presence of comorbid condition, especially in the woman with an infectious respiratory disease, a closer follow-up by a 3-month CT scan was programmed. An impressive enlargement of the aneurysm, occurred in the next 2 months, caused patient's asphyxia and subsequent death. In patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm, mostly in females with comorbid condition, a closer CT scan control should be carried out, irrespective of the previous aneurysm size.
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