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Updated: May 18, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Saccular aortic aneurysm that resembled a mediastinal neoplasm
Naohiro Nose1, Hiroumi Kataoka, Masakatsu Hamada
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shinyukuhashi Hospital, 1411 Ooazadoujyouji, Yukuhashi 824-0026, Japan.
Rare aortic arch aneurysms can mimic mediastinal neoplasms. Multidetector computed tomography is crucial for diagnosing these unusual aortic aneurysms, preventing misdiagnosis as cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Saccular aortic arch aneurysms can occur in unusual locations.
- These aneurysms may be misdiagnosed as neoplasms preoperatively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of a rare saccular aortic arch aneurysm.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and imaging modalities for such conditions.
Main Methods:
- A 63-year-old male presented with an abnormal mediastinal shadow.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans, including 64-row multi-detector CT, were used for diagnosis.
- Aortic arch replacement was performed via median sternotomy.
Main Results:
- Preoperative imaging suggested a mediastinal neoplasm between the trachea and esophagus.
- Enhanced multi-detector CT confirmed the mass as a saccular aneurysm of the aortic arch.
- Surgical intervention involved aortic arch replacement.
Conclusions:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms can present as mediastinal neoplasms.
- Multidetector CT is valuable for accurate diagnosis of aortic aneurysms.
- Consider aneurysms when masses are adjacent to the aortic wall.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
