Spontaneous Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Treated with Endovascular Grafting in a Hemodialysis Patient

Abstract

limited with specific anatomical considerations and complications. Particularly in high risk patients, endovascular approach offers lower morbidity and mortality(2,3). A 51 year-old male patient with renal failure experienced dyspnea during dialysis. Chest radiogram revealed massive left-sided pleural effusion. Thoracic computerized tomography documented pseudoaneurysm in thoracic aorta distal to left subclavian artery (48.5x29.1 mm) (Figures 1, 2). There was no history of trauma or percutaneous/ surgical intervention; possibly the atherosclerotic plaque weakened the wall and lead to aortic rupture during a hypertensive attack and pseudoaneurysm developed. Successful endovascular treatment was performed (Figure 3). Left hemithorax was tube-drained after the procedure (defibrinated blood), because preceding intervention could decompress the pseudoaneurysm sac and lead to rupture. The postoperative course was uneventful