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Expanding arch aneurysm causing a "kink" in a Bentall graft and heart failure

Maha A Al-Mohaissen1, Peter Skarsgard, Clarence Khoo

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Radiology, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. mahaabdulrahman@hotmail.com

Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|April 26, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Marfan syndrome patients may develop graft complications years after aortic repair. This case highlights supra-aortic stenosis from a kinked Bentall graft, requiring surgical correction for improved heart function.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Genetics

Background:

  • Marfan syndrome frequently causes aortic root aneurysms and dissection.
  • Surgical aortic root replacement has improved survival rates for these patients.

Observation:

  • A patient with Marfan syndrome experienced heart failure 14 years post-Bentall procedure.
  • Investigations revealed supra-aortic stenosis due to a kinked Bentall graft.

Findings:

  • The graft kink was caused by an expanding aortic arch aneurysm.
  • Surgical intervention led to improved ejection fraction and heart failure symptoms.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for late graft-related complications after aortic root surgery in Marfan syndrome.
  • Long-term surveillance for aortic complications is crucial in these patients.
  • Understanding graft-aneurysm interactions is vital for surgical planning.

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