Percutaneous embolization for ruptured ectopic bronchial artery aneurysm: a case report

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Bronchial artery aneurysms (BAAs) are rare vascular pathologies.
• Spontaneous rupture of ectopic BAAs presents diagnostic challenges and is life-threatening.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old male presented with acute chest pain, tachycardia, and hypertension, initially misdiagnosed as myocardial infarction.
• Enhanced CT revealed a ruptured 25-mm mediastinal aneurysm.
• Bronchial arteriography identified the aneurysm originating from the left subclavian artery.

Findings:

• Successful transcatheter artery embolization using polyvinyl alcohol particles and microcoils was performed.
• The patient's symptoms resolved, with no recurrence at 1-year follow-up.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare variation of mediastinal BAA.
• Interventional radiology plays a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of ruptured BAAs.
• Prompt diagnosis and endovascular management are vital for critical conditions like ruptured BAA.