Paclitaxel-coated balloons and aneurysm formation in peripheral vessels

We report two cases of early aneurysmal vessel dilatation after a paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) was used for angioplasty of the peripheral vessels. The first case refers to a failing vein bypass with a tight proximal anastomotic stenosis, whereas the second refers to a distal tibial artery occlusion. A PCB was used to treat both patients. Aneurysmal dilatation of the previously treated segment was noted in both patients during subsequent follow-up imaging. In the absence of other causal factors, we attribute both cases to PCB application. The aneurysms that formed had no detrimental effect on the patients' health and required no further treatment; however, it is important to bear in mind this potential risk of presumed paclitaxel toxicity.