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Updated: Aug 17, 2025

Three-Dimensional Printing of a Complex Aortic Anomaly
Published on: November 1, 2018
Multimodality imaging and 3D-printing of a thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm eroding into the spine
David J Winkel1, Edin Mujagic2, Daniel Staub3
1Clinic of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Basel University Hospital, University of Basel, Petersgraben 4, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
A rare case of a previously treated thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm eroding into the thoracic spine is described. Initially, several follow-up CT angiography scans showed an increasing aneurysm sack, but no endoleak could be depicted. Then, a new rapidly developing erosion into the thoracic spine was noted. MRI imaging excluded any other underlying infectious or malignant process. Additional contrast-enhanced ultrasound excluded an endoleak. A 3D-printed model of the aneurysm and spine and cinematic renderings were created to improve visualization. She underwent relining of the thoracic stent graft. Follow-up imaging showed a stable aneurysm size and no progression of the vertebral erosions.

