Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 7, 2025

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
Ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm simulating mediastinal lymphoma in computed tomography, a possible diagnostic error: a
Marcello Chiocchi1, Luigi Spiritigliozzi2, Federica Di Tosto1
1Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
Background:
An ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm is a severe and rare complication following cardiothoracic surgery. This case report demonstrates its possible misinterpretation and the consequent importance of multidisciplinary evaluation.
Case Presentation:
We present a case of an 18-year-old Caucasian man with Marfan syndrome who developed an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm about 1 year after undergoing cardiac surgery with the Bentall procedure. Computed tomographic examination of the thoracic aorta and positron emission tomography-computed tomography initially suggested a lymphomatous pathology. However, these imaging results were in contrast to the transesophageal echocardiogram and the laboratory data that showed negative results for hematological pathology. A second computed tomographic scan redirected the diagnosis toward a pseudoaneurysm.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the utility of close communication and interdisciplinary consultation between cardiovascular radiologists and the cardiac surgery team, which are mandatory in order to maximize their diagnostic skills in identifying postoperative complications.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...

