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False hydatic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta
P Biglioli1, R Spirito, M Roberto
1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Centro Cardiologico, University of Milano, Italy.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Surgical excision successfully treated a rare case of thoracic aorta hydatidosis, which appeared as a saccular aneurysm. The patient recovered fully after aortic repair with a Dacron patch, showing no recurrence at 26 months.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Parasitology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Hydatidosis, a parasitic infection caused by Echinococcus granulosus, rarely affects the thoracic aorta.
- Aortic hydatidosis can present insidiously, mimicking other vascular pathologies such as aneurysms.
- Accurate diagnosis and timely surgical intervention are crucial for managing this rare condition.
Observation:
- A patient presented with a lower descending thoracic aorta lesion that radiologically mimicked a posterior saccular aneurysm.
- Diagnostic workup confirmed the lesion to be hydatidosis of the aorta.
- The lesion's location and presentation posed a significant surgical challenge.
Findings:
- Surgical excision of the hydatid cyst from the thoracic aorta was successfully performed.
- The aortic defect was repaired using a prosthetic Dacron patch.
- The patient experienced a favorable outcome with complete recovery and no signs of recurrence at 26-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare etiologies, like hydatidosis, in the differential diagnosis of aortic pathologies.
- Successful surgical management of aortic hydatidosis is feasible and can lead to excellent long-term outcomes.
- The use of prosthetic patches for aortic repair in such cases is a viable option, ensuring structural integrity.