Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Delayed Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Caused by a Thoracic Vertebral Fracture

Thoracic vertebral fractures are commonly associated with aortic injury at the time of injury. However, delayed thoracic aortic injury during intensive care management of thoracic fractures has not been reported.

An 83-year-old man was transported to our hospital after a collision with a car while riding a motorized bicycle. A fracture of the 10th thoracic vertebra was identified and treated with thoracic fusion on day 24. On day 34, a new pseudoaneurysm was found in contact with the vertebral fracture. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed on day 36, and disappearance of the pseudoaneurysm was confirmed on day 38.

The possibility of delayed thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm should be considered when thoracic vertebral fractures are near the descending aorta. Early TEVAR may be effective for delayed aortic injury.