Aneurysm Repair Research Articles

An unusual case of type IIIB endoleak after repeat thoracic endovascular aortic repair at acute-angled arch: A case of fabric tear by bare-metal stent

We report a case of an unusual case of type IIIB endoleaks after repeat thoracic endovascular aortic repair that was not visualized on computed tomography, first diagnosed during open conversion surgery, and successfully treated. A 69-year-old man had undergone repeat thoracic endovascular aortic repair for an enlarged thoracic aortic aneurysm six months before. His repeat computed tomography showed an acutely enlarged aneurysm, which had expanded from 80 to 96 mm in diameter, without any endoleaks. A type IIIB endoleak resulted from a small tear in fabric caused by a bare-metal stent of the previous endograft. The tip of the bare-metal of smaller outer endograft had penetrated a fabric portion of the inner larger endograft. The aneurysmal sac pressure was 58/46 mmHg, compared with a systemic pressure of 79/35 mmHg. The endografts were explanted and replaced with a vascular graft.

The Impact of Endograft Selection on Mid-Term Outcomes in Female Patients Following Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).

BackgroundAbdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are far more common in male than female gender, although they appear to have a more aggressive pathophysiology in females. Given the lower incidence of AAA in females, it has been difficult to assess the impact of graft selection for endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in this cohort.PurposeTo identify whether graft selection influences outcomes following AAA endoluminal repair in female patients.MethodologyA retrospective analysis of published data for 711 female patients was conducted, collating data from three cohorts - Endurant Stent Graft Natural Selection Global post-market registry (ENGAGE), Global Registry for Endovascular Aortic Treatment (GREAT) and U.S. Zenith multicenter trial in combination with the Zenith female registry. Patients were recruited into the ENGAGE registry between 2009 and 2011, the GREAT registry between August 2010 and October 2016, and into the Zenith registry between 2000 and 2003. Patients from ENGAGE received the Medtronic Endurant stent graft for infrarenal AAA repair, patients analysed in GREAT received the Gore Excluder stent graft and the Zenith group received the Cook Zenith stent graft. Analyses were performed to evaluate all-cause mortality, aorta-related mortality, endoleak occurrence and surgical reintervention rates between the three cohorts.ResultsOf the 711 females, 133 were from ENGAGE (mean age 76 years), 538 were from GREAT (mean age 75 years) and 40 were from Zenith (mean age 74 years). The rates of co-morbidities between the three groups were broadly similar except for atherosclerotic disease which was more commonly observed in those treated with the GORE Excluder. The rate of endoleaks was lower when the Excluder stent was utilised as compared to the other two stents (Excluder 6.7% vs. Zenith 12.5% vs. Endurant 35.3%) even considering the limited follow-up of the Zenith group to two years as compared to five years for both ENGAGE and GREAT. All-cause mortality was similar in all three groups across the period examined while aorta-related mortality was uncommon. Reintervention rate was 15% at two years following the utilisation of the Zenith aortic graft while the rate of intervention at five years was broadly similar between ENGAGE and GREAT.ConclusionThe newer generation, lower profile aortic endografts appear to have provided a safe and successful tool in the management of AAA in female patients, despite more complex aortic anatomy with shorter infrarenal neck length and larger aortic neck angulation.

Xanthochromia: yellow color is a red flag.

A 72-year-old previously healthy man consulted in our hospital for persistent moderate headache, accompanied by flexor pain of both thighs and low-grade fever for five days. Although the symptoms were worsened by motion, he noticed the flexor pain was most severe when taking a bow. On physical examination, he was fully alert and oriented to person, place, and time. His body temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate were 37.6 °C, 126/81 mmHg, 67 beats/min, and 16 breaths/min, respectively. His neck was supple. Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs were negative. There was a positive jolt accentuation test. No other neurologic findings were remarkable. Head computed tomography (CT) was normal; therefore, a lumbar puncture was performed, following suspicion of meningitis. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis revealed 14 cells per microliter (mononucleosis was dominant), protein 185 mg/dL, and glucose 34 mg/dL. The opening pressure was 13 cmH2O. The CSF had an orange-yellow appearance (Figure 1a). This was suggestive of xanthochromia. Contrast-enhanced head CT and head magnetic resonance imaging were performed, and a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm was detected (Figure 1 b). He was diagnosed with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which was classified as Grade 1 and Group 1, according to the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons subarachnoid hemorrhage grading scale and Fisher grade of cerebral vasospasm risk, respectively. Regarding the presenting symptoms, thigh flexor pain and low-grade fever were symptoms of breakdown of blood products within the CSF, which led to aseptic meningitis, also called meningismus. He was admitted to the intensive care unit for neurological and hemodynamic monitoring. Aneurysm repair with surgical clipping was performed, and after 4 weeks of rehabilitation, he was discharged ambulatory.

The Evolving Role of Endovascular Therapy in the Management of Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The Evolving Role of Endovascular Therapy in the Management of Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Incidental Finding and Endovascular Repair of a Left Internal Mammary Artery Aneurysm following a Multivessel Coronary Artery Bypass Graft

True aneurysms discovered within the internal mammary artery are extremely rare and typically have an asymptomatic occurrence. Their presentation and management have also been variable due to their low incidence, decreased detection, or lack of documentation. They have a high risk for morbidity or mortality as they can possibly rupture with increasing size and thus become life-threatening. Coronary CT angiography is the most definitive test for confirming and finding complications related to the aneurysm. With an increase in the aging population and advancement in the techniques used in coronary artery bypass grafting, it is likely that the rate of recorded occurrence of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms will increase. Endovascular repair is currently the most favored treatment modality. In this report, we describe a case of a 74-year-old male who was incidentally found to have a left internal mammary artery aneurysm following complaints of chest pain related to another nearly occluded grafted vessel. To the best of our knowledge, and following an extensive literature review, this is likely the first documented case of a true aneurysm found within a left internal mammary artery bypass graft. The patient recovered well following placement of a covered stent; however, upon follow-up one year later, he was found to have stenosis of the same vessel, which was subsequently treated without further complication.

The lift snorkel technique for type Ia endoleak after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair of a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm

BackgroundThe snorkel technique for a juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAAA) is an important treatment option for high-risk patients. We report the lift snorkel technique through the trans-femoral access for a type Ia endoleak after fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) in a case of difficult trans-brachial access.Case presentationA 76-year-old woman who had JAAA presented with a type Ia endoleak and sac expansion after FEVAR. We planned for proximal additional stentgraft with the bilateral renal artery snorkel technique. However, during the secondary intervention, it was difficult to cannulate to the left renal artery through the trans-brachial access due to interference of the supra-renal stent. Stentgraft was eventually delivered into the left renal artery via the trans-femoral access with a 5 Fr sheath. A plain angioplasty balloon was inserted coaxially through the sheath. The balloon was inflated in the proximal end of the stentgraft and then pushed up to replace the proximal end from down to up. The additional aortic cuff was deployed parallel to the snorkel stentgraft. One year after the additional treatment, computed tomography (CT) revealed aneurysm sac shrinkage.ConclusionThe lift snorkel technique is a unique method converting the retrograde approach to antegrade renal artery stenting and would be an effective option for difficult trans-brachial cases for a type Ia endoleak after FEVAR of a JAAA.

MiR-222-3p downregulation prompted the migration, invasion and recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells via ADIPOR1 expression increase-induced AMKP activation

BackgroundClinical data show that aneurysm rupture causes high mortality in aged men. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) were reported to regulate endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) which play a vital role in repairing endothelial damage and maintaining vascular integrity. This study identified a novel miRNA regulator for the functions of EPCs in aneurysm repair. MethodsAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) model was established on Sprague-Dawley rats which later underwent antagomiR-222 treatment. The histopathological changes of AAA rats were examined by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Flow cytometry was performed to quantify EPCs in peripheral blood and identify EPCs isolated from the rat femur. The potential target of miR-222-3p was predicted by TargetScan v7.2 and validated by Dual-luciferase reporter assay. The effects of miR-222-3p and ADIPOR1 on the migration, invasion and tube formation of EPCs were evaluated by wound healing, Transwell and tube formation assays. The expressions of miR-222-3p and ADIPOR1 in aortic aneurysm tissues and EPCs were assessed by qRT-PCR or Western blot. ResultsAAA exhibited histopathological abnormality, a decreased number of EPCs in the peripheral blood and an increased miR-222-3p expression. AntagomiR-222 injection reversed all these phenomena in AAA rats. Upregulating miR-222-3p expression inhibited the migration, invasion, and tube formation of EPCs, and the expressions of ADIPOR1 and phosphorylated-AMKP, while downregulating miR-222-3p expression exerted opposite effects in EPCs. ADIPOR1 was identified as a target gene of miR-222-3p. Overexpressing ADIPOR1 abrogated the effects of miR-222-3p upregulation on EPCs. ConclusionDownregulated miR-222-3p prompted the migration, invasion and recruitment of EPCs by targeting ADIPOR1-induced AMKP activation.

Leaking Mycotic Aneurysm of Abdominal Aorta in a 14-Year-Old Boy with Infective Endocarditis and Severe Mitral Regurgitation—A Rare Case Report

We present a case of leaking mycotic aneurysm of abdominal aorta complicated by infective endocarditis in a young boy of 14 years age. This boy with history of rheumatic heart disease with vegetations on mitral valve and severe mitral regurgitation landed up in complications of infective endocarditis like femoral artery thrombo embolism followed by an abdominal aortic aneurysm with contained rupture. This case was successfully managed addressing two problems i.e. valve and aneurysm repair in single sitting.

Mycotic aortic aneurysm in a debilitated patient with compromised immunity; beware of Candida!

Candida is a rare cause of infected aortic aneurysms. We report the case of a diabetic patient with end stage kidney disease who underwent repair of a leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm. He was on long-term antibiotic treatment for malignant otitis externa. Candida albicans was isolated from the culture of the excised aneurysm wall. An infected aortic aneurysm due to Candida has not been previously reported in a patient with malignant otitis externa. This case report aims to highlight that Candida should be suspected as a cause of infected aortic aneurysms in patients with debilitation and chronic immunosuppression. Management of such cases can be extremely challenging, especially in resource-poor settings, and we will be touching upon the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment options.

Emergency endovascular repair of aortoiliac aneurysms in COVID-19 times.

In this paper, we describe a case series of four patients who were admitted with emergencies related to aortic aneurysms over a 3-day period and were treated with endovascular repair. The first patient was an 81-year-old female with a history of abdominal pain and a ruptured aortic aneurysm diagnosed by AngioCT-scan. The second patient was a 63-year-old male with a history of oral digestive bleeding and an AngioCT-scan showing an aortoenteric fistula. The third patient was a 77-year-old female with sudden-onset abdominal pain and ruptured right common iliac aneurysm. The fourth patient presented with abdominal pain and an AngioCT-scan showed aortic rupture. All four patients were discharged with no major complications or surgical mortality. These case series show that despite the Covid-19 pandemic situation, since elective surgeries decreased, vascular emergencies have increased.

Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Residual Aneurysm after Total Arch Replacement

Background: Residual aneurysms after graft replacement are rare, but they can be detrimental if they are saccular and large. The etiology of residual aneurysms remains unknown, and their management is controversial. One treatment option is late open surgical conversion; however, postoperative respiratory complications resulting from the dissection of pleural adhesions, which is frequently necessary with this approach, are often unavoidable. Case presentation: Herein, we report a case of open surgical repair of a residual distal aortic arch aneurysm that occurred after total arch replacement and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was not possible in this case due to the patient’s severe renal dysfunction; however, contrast-enhanced computed tomography using minimal contrast did not detect remarkable leakage through the graft or stent graft into the aneurysm. Late open surgical conversion using video-assisted thoracic surgery was performed by thoracic surgeons, and the adhesion between the aortic wall and the lung was safely and effectively dissected. Because there was no significant pulsation or evidence of feeding arteries in the aortic wall, the aortic wall was opened carefully. No bleeding or backflow from any branch arteries into the aneurysm was noted, so the aortic wall was ligated with continuous sutures. The patient recovered without experiencing any major complications. Conclusions: This case report demonstrates that video-assisted thoracic surgery is safe and effective for late open conversion in cases of residual aneurysm; furthermore, this case suggests that video-assisted thoracic surgery may be particularly beneficial for the dissection of adhesions between the aortic wall and lung in these cases.

Association between operation volume and postoperative mortality in the elective open repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms: systematic review

AbstractBackgroundAn inverse association between the case volume per hospital and surgeon and perioperative mortality has been shown for many surgical interventions. There are numerous studies on this issue for the open treatment of infrarenal aortic aneurysms.AimTo present the available data on the association between the case volume per hospital and surgeon and perioperative mortality in the elective open repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms in a systematic review.Materials and methodsUsing the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Current Contents Medicine (CCMed), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases, a systematic search was performed using defined keywords. From the search results, all original papers were included that compared the elective open repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm in a “high volume” center with a “low volume” center or by a “high volume” surgeon with a “low volume” surgeon, as defined in the respective study.ResultsAfter deduplication, the literature search yielded 1021 hits of which 60 publications met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 37/43 studies showed a lower mortality in “high volume” compared to “low volume” centers and 14/17 comparisons showed a lower mortality for “high volume” compared to “low volume” surgeons. The effect measures, usually odds ratios, ranged from 0.37 to 0.99 for volume per hospital and 0.31 to 0.92 for volume per surgeon. Regarding the threshold values for the definition of “high volume” and “low volume,” a clear heterogeneity was shown between the individual studies.DiscussionThe available data on the association between the case volume per hospital and surgeon and perioperative mortality in the elective open repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms show that interventions performed in “high volume” centers or by “high volume” surgeons are associated with lower mortality. To ensure the best possible outcome in terms of low perioperative mortality in the open repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms, the aim should be centralization with high case volume per hospital and surgeon.

Непосредственные результаты эндопротезирования брюшного отдела аорты у больных с неблагоприятной проксимальной шейкой аневризмы

More than half of the interventions for abdominal aortic aneurysm are performed using endovascular techniques. However, due to the anatomical characteristics of the aorta about 40 % of patients cannot be candidates for еndovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Anatomical features that are difficult or unacceptable for stent-graft placement include short or no proximal neck, angular, tapered neck, and vessel diameter that exceeds the existing capabilities of endoprostheses. In cases where traditional surgical correction is not an acceptable option, various technological methods and equipment are used. The observation included 16 consecutive patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm, where EVAR was performed. When analyzing the anatomical characteristics of the aneurysmal sac, 7 (43.7 %) patients were classified as patients with an unfavorable proximal neck of the aneurysm, the so-called «hostile neck». Two EVAR interventions were complex (2 patients with parallel grafts), which made it possible to achieve an increase in the proximal infrarenal zone implantation up to 16–20 mm, and adjuvant or additional endovascular procedures – in our case, implantation of Aptus Heli-FX endoancors in 5 patients. The comparison group consisted of 9 patients with standard aneurysm neck, where standard EVAR procedures were performed. The main anatomical difference in the groups was the length of the aneurysm neck – 9.9 mm and 36.1 mm in groups I and II, respectively (p = 0,0003). EVAR in the groups were carried out without significant complications or fatal cases; in the first group, the duration of the operation (p = 0.01), the amount of contrast (p = 0.03) and the fluoro time (p = 0.01) were significantly increased than in the 2nd group. The postoperative period did not differ between the groups. Conclusions. The use of contemporary technologies allows to significantly expand the indications for EVAR in patients with unfavorable anatomy. Key words: abdominal aortic aneurysm, еndovascular aneurysm repair.

Roles of endovascular aneurysm repair in management of secondary aorto-enteric fistulas.

Secondary aorto-enteric fistulas (AEFs) are an uncommon but serious complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Case review of two cases of secondary AEF are as follows: the first case involved a 75-year- old male who presented with AEF 1 year post-emergency open AAA repair, successfully managed with endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) without complication. The second case involved a 75-year-old male patient 14 months post open AAA repair for an inflammatory aneurysm who presented with an iliac-enteric fistula. The previous repair was relined with a bifurcated EVAR with subsequent laparotomy and resection of the affected portion of the small bowel. Both patients on lifelong antibiotics without further episodes of sepsis, recurrence of AEF or mortality at 12 months follow up. EVAR can be successful in the management of secondary AEF. Careful patient selection, accurate image interpretation, and expedient management are key factors to successful short- and long-term outcomes.

Evaluation of Survival Outcomes of Endovascular Versus Open Aortic Repair for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms with a Big Data Approach.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta. Once ruptured AAA (rAAA) happens, repairing procedures need to be applied immediately, for which there are two main options: open aortic repair (OAR) and endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). It is of great clinical significance to objectively compare the survival outcomes of OAR versus EVAR using randomized clinical trials; however, this has serious feasibility issues. In this study, with the Medicare data, we conduct an emulation analysis and explicitly “assemble” a clinical trial with rigorously defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 7826 patients are “recruited”, with 3866 and 3960 in the OAR and EVAR arms, respectively. Mimicking but significantly advancing from the regression-based literature, we adopt a deep learning-based analysis strategy, which consists of a propensity score step, a weighted survival analysis step, and a bootstrap step. The key finding is that for both short- and long-term mortality, EVAR has survival advantages. This study delivers a new big data strategy for addressing critical clinical problems and provides valuable insights into treating rAAA using OAR and EVAR.

Abstract 16957: Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Wall Stresses Evolve in Parallel With Diameter Growth

Introduction: Guidelines for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (ATAA) repair use ATAA diameter, with repair recommended at ≥5.5cm, but ATAA biomechanics may better predict acute type A dissection (ATAD) risk. However, little is known regarding changes in wall stresses among clinically followed patients with <5.5cm ATAA over time. This information is important for patient risk stratification. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that peak ATAA wall stresses would change over time in a patient-specific fashion alongside diameter. Methods: 31 nonsurgical ATAA patients (<5.5cm and growth <0.5cm/year) with computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans taken 3 to 5 years apart were identified. Images were used to construct patient specific three-dimensional ATAA models. Peak diastolic circumferential stresses were determined along the ascending aorta (AA), sinotubular junction (STJ), and aortic sinuses using finite element analysis. Diameters at both time points were measured from CTA scans by a single radiologist blinded to stress results. Stress and diameter distributions were compared using paired t-tests. Results: In the overall population, ATAA diameter increased over time (4.39±0.4 cm vs. 4.43±0.4 cm, p=0.02), while diastolic circumferential stresses along the aorta did not significantly change. However, we found two distinct patient groups: one where wall stresses increased and one where stresses decreased over time. Separate analysis of these groups showed significant changes in circumferential stress in all three aortic regions (488 ± 120 vs. 340 ± 63 kPa for the sinuses, 472 ± 127 vs 345 ± 76 kPa for the STJ and 337 ± 54 vs 277 ± 28 kPa for AA, p<0.001), and significant increase in diameter in the group with increasing stresses (p=0.02). Conclusions: In this nonsurgical group, there is no statically significant change of peak ATAA wall stresses at diastole over 3-5 years. The patients with increased stress were found to be associated with increases in diameter during the corresponding time period. More patient specific data is required to investigate the interaction between wall biomechanics and aortic remodeling. Our results lay the foundation for developing patient-specific ATAD risk predictors for ATAD using patient-specific wall stress changes.

CT findings after left renal vein division during abdominal aortic surgery.

The rationale behind left renal vein division (LRVD) is the assumption that adequate collateral draining channels will develop. To describe computed tomography (CT) findings after LRVD during aortic surgery. Among 61 consecutive patients who underwent LRVD during aneurysm repair or revascularization for aortic occlusive disease between January 2003 and December 2017, 51 patients (40 men, mean age 71.4 ± 8.4 years) were enrolled. Contrast-enhanced CT images were analyzed to evaluate collateral drainage, patency, left renal vein diameter, and left renal parenchymal thickness. A total of 115 radiologic reports were reviewed to check whether these findings were accurately mentioned. The median time period of the first postoperative follow-up CT was 36 days (range 7-1351 days). The gonadal vein (n = 47) was the most common collateral draining channel, followed by the retroperitoneal veins (n = 42) and adrenal vein (n = 33). Thrombosis occurred in five patients between postoperative days 7 and 17 in the remnant renal vein (n = 3), remnant renal vein plus gonadal and adrenal veins (n = 1), and gonadal vein (n = 1). There was a significant decrease in renal vein diameter (-0.48 ± 2.12 mm, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in parenchymal thickness (-0.25 ± 1.27 mm, P = 0.193). Neither LRVD nor any associated findings were correctly stated on radiologic reports. Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT can delineate collateral draining channels and complications following LRVD. However, these findings tend to be either missed or misinterpreted.

Hip bone osteonecrosis with intraosseous pneumatosis after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a case of emphysematous osteomyelitis

Intraosseous pneumatosis is a rare and often fatal condition characterised by air accumulation in the bone that may be brought about by infection, trauma (surgical or otherwise), degenerative disease or neoplastic processes. Here, we present a case of pelvic emphysematous osteomyelitis following repair of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm.A 56-year-old Saudi male, known to have diabetes and hypertension, presented to the emergency department complaining of intermittent abdominal pain over the right lower quadrant. The patient was later diagnosed intraoperatively with an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm and treated appropriately. During multiple follow-up imaging studies, the patient was noted to have multiple intra-abdominal fluid collections, as well as intraosseous pneumatosis in the pelvis and right femur. 3 months later, intervention was again required due to patient deterioration and possible aortic graft leakage. Graft abscess was diagnosed and managed.We present a case of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm that eventually led to emphysematous osteomyelitis of the pelvis. This case report sheds light on intraosseous pneumatosis and emphysematous osteomyelitis, which is characterised by the former, in addition to signs of an underlying infection or abscess formation.

Extravascular risk factors in the prognostic evaluation for spinal cord injury during thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm exclusion: a case report

BackgroundThe etiology of delayed-onset spinal cord injury (SCI) following endovascular repair of thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) is still unclear and may be related to multiple factors. Extravascular factors, such as lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), may play a significant role in the selection of patient at risk of SCI. In this report we describe a case of paraplegia following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a patient suffering from severe and symptomatic LSS and undergoing staged endovascular repair of a TAAA.Case presentationA 70-year-old man was admitted to our department with an asymptomatic type III TAAA in previous open repair for abdominal aortic aneurysm. The patient complained of buttock and thigh claudication in the absence of defects in the pelvic perfusion; a spinal magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed a severe narrowing of the lumbar canal.. After 24 h from first-step procedure (TEVAR) paraplegia was detected. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage was then placed with incomplete recovery.ConclusionsStenotic damage to the spinal cord is thought to be the result of direct compression of the neural elements and ischemic disruption of arterial and venous structures surrounding the spinal cord. This comorbidity may constitute an additional anatomic risk factor in those patients currently recognized as prognostically associated to the development of SCI.

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN A PATIENT FOLLOWING ANEURYSMOTOMY OF RARE MEGA-GIANT ANEURYSM OF THE COMMON CAROTID ARTERY

In the subject literature there are only a few articles devoted to the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of patients with large ex- tracranial aneurysms of the carotid artery segment. There are no reports on the quality of life of patients with rare Mega-Giant Carotid Artery Aneurysms (MGCAA) manifesting themselves as chronically large and growing neck tumors. The aim of the research was an evaluation of the health related quality of life (HRQL) of a patient following aneurysmotomy of Mega-Giant Carotid Artery Aneurysms (MGCAA). An 82-year-old patient was referred to the Department of Vascular Surgery at the John Paul II Hospital in Krakow, due to the presence of a megagiant, painful tumor covering the entire left side of the neck. A physical examination and angio-CT confirmed the pres- ence of a pulsating tumor, which extended vertically from the level of the angle of the mandible to the clavicle, and horizontally from the trachea to the cervical spine. An aneurysmotomy and recon- struction of LICA with cerebral protection using a shunt catheter was performed. The patient was awakened from anesthesia and extubated shortly after the procedure, without any Central Nervous System neurological defects. The surgery was complicated by left recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis and aphonia without dyspnoea, which was only partially resolved around 3 months after the oper- ation itself. The postoperative period was uncomplicated. Health related Quality of Life (HRQoL) was studied using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to study both the clinical symp-toms and how these symptoms would be reduced in a year follow up after the aneurysmotomy. Despite the increasing availability of endovascular options and techniques, open surgical repair of ICA aneurysms, especially Mega- Giant Carotid Artery Aneurysms (MGCAA), using cerebral protection (shunts), remains a basic option, providing an opportunity to avoid major intraoperative and postoperative complications. The aneurysmotomy, despite laryngeal nerve paresis and aphonia without dyspnoea, improves the patient’s health-related quality of life.