Abstract
Introduction
Aneurysms are found following all types of surgical repair of aortic coarctation, especially after Dacron patch aortoplasty.
We describe the finding of an aortic aneurysm in an asymptomatic 52-year-old male, who was managed by Dacron patch aortoplasty for native coarctation of the aorta 34 years earlier.
Case report
A 52-year male, smoker, hypertensive on medication He had previous history of surgical repair of aortic coarctation at age of 18 years .
Repair was by Dacron patch aortoplasty. Since then, his regular follow up was unremarkable. Recently, he was referred for cardiac evaluation as a part of pre-employment general check-up. He was asymptomatic with no history of shortness of breath or chest pain.
Physical examination revealed that the pulse in the left arm was reduced in volume in comparison to the right one. The heart sounds were essentially normal but a pericardial murmur was audible, perhaps reflecting residual collateral flow. Blood pressure was 156/83 mmHg in right arm and 142/81 in the left arm.
Transthoracic echocardiography revealed mild left ventricular hypertrophy with normal global and regional contractility and an ejection fraction of 58%. Supra sternal window images showed dilatation of the three aortic arch branches. The distal portion of aortic arch just distal to origin of left subclavian artery was narrowed with a peak systolic gradient across of 34 mmHg. A cystic structure (1.7 cm x 1.9 cm) was visualized attached to the narrowed segment of the aorta, suggestive of a saccular aneurysm, (figures A&B&C).
Computed tomography aortogram showed a narrow-necked aneurysm arising from the posterolateral aspect of the distal aortic arch (anticipated site of the coarctation repair graft anastomosis). A small laminated thrombus was also noted within. Aneurysm measured approximately 2.2 x 3.3 cm in its craniocaudal and anteroposterior dimensions respectively, with no evidence of aortic luminal compromise. (figures D&E&F).
Management
Aneurysmectomy was performed subsequently. Interposition polyester grafts were used to reconstruct the aortic arch and proximal descending aorta and to connect this aortic segment to the subclavian artery via a lateral thoracotomy. The postoperative course thereafter was uneventful. Conclusion: This is a rare insidious complication of Dacron patch aortoplasty that occurred after more than 3 decades, which highlights the importance of diagnostic imaging in the follow up of these patients
Abstract P1494 Figure.
Delayed presentation of massive haemoptysis from aortic aneurysm after aortic coarctation repair (a case report)
