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Published on: August 1, 2025
Pseudoaneurysm of the descending aorta complicating an untreated aortic coarctation
Edvin Prifti1, Saimir Kuci1, Klodian Krakulli1
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Center, Tirana, Albania.
Insights
Severe aortic coarctation in a young man was successfully treated with surgical repair of a pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights effective management of complex aortic arch abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Medical Imaging
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Aortic coarctation is a congenital heart defect causing severe narrowing of the aorta.
- Aortic pseudoaneurysms are rare but life-threatening complications, often associated with underlying aortic disease.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with severe aortic coarctation.
- Computed tomography revealed an aortic pseudoaneurysm originating from the descending aorta, connected by a narrow neck.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention involved cardiopulmonary bypass via femoral vessels.
- The pseudoaneurysm neck was closed with a synthetic patch.
- A prosthetic graft was placed between the left subclavian artery and the descending aorta.
Implications:
- This surgical approach effectively managed a complex aortic coarctation with pseudoaneurysm.
- Successful repair ensured a favorable postoperative outcome, preventing rupture.
- This case underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and surgical intervention for aortic abnormalities.
Abstract:
A 22-year-old man was referred for severe aortic coarctation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography confirmed the aortic coarctation diagnosis and showed an aortic pseudoaneurysm arising from the anterior and left surface of the descending aorta, communicating with the aortic lumen with a small neck. Under cardiopulmonary bypass through the femoral vessels, the patient underwent closure of the pseudoaneurysm neck using a synthetic patch and interposition of a prosthetic graft between the left subclavian artery and the descending aorta below the pseudoaneurysm. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful.
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