Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Due to Screw Dislodgment Following Anterior Spinal Approach. Complex Surgical Management of Both Issues: A Case Report and Review of Literature

International Journal of Spine Surgery
Rosa M Egea-GÁmezRafael GonzÁlez-DÍaz

Abstract

A few descriptions about anterior thoracic arthrodesis causing thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysms due to late screw loosening are mentioned in the literature. We report a case that describes a hybrid approach complicated with an aortic injury when removing a screw from the aortic wall. A 57-year-old man was initially operated on for scoliosis due to poliomyelitis using dorsal thoracolumbar in situ fusion at an early age. At adulthood, the patient complained of spinal cord compression and severe myelopathy due to D9-D10 nonunion, and the patient required a double surgical approach. Almost a year later, he was diagnosed with a thoracic aneurysm caused by late screw loosening from the anterior plate. A hybrid approach was used to treat the aortic pseudoaneurysm (endograft stent) and for anterior vertebral hardware removal (rethoracotomy). Although an aortic stent was covering the aortic lumen, during the open part of the procedure, an aortic injury took place when removing the screw, requiring quick cross clamping and repair. Anterior vertebral hardware removal after a previous anterior spinal approach is a technically highly demanding procedure. As unexpected life-threatening complications can occur, this procedure should be perform...Continue Reading

Citations

Apr 15, 2021·Neurosurgical Review·Safwan AlomariAli Bydon

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is the weakening and bulging of the blood vessel wall in the aorta. This causes dilatation of the aorta, which is usually asymptomatic but carries the risk of rupture and hemorrhage. Find the latest research on aortic aneurysms here.

Aneurysm

Aneurysms are outward distensions or bulges that occurs in a weakened wall of blood vessels. Discover the latest research on aneurysms here.