Paraparesis after thoracic stent-graft relining for an unrecognized type III endoleak.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We examined the reasons for missing a type III endoleak on conventional imaging and the pathophysiology of paraparesis after relining this stent graft.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

A 46-year-old man was treated with a thoracic stent graft for thoracic rupture of a chronic type B thoracoabdominal dissection with aneurysm formation. In a second intervention, retrograde revascularization of the visceral and renal arteries was performed in combination with insertion of an abdominal stent graft. After initial shrinkage of the aneurysmal sac, the thoracic aortic diameter started increasing again. Consecutive three-phase helical computed tomographic scans did not reveal any endoleak. Because of unbearable back pain, an open surgical exploration was performed. This showed a type III endoleak. Relining of the thoracic stent graft was performed, but paraparesis developed.

CONCLUSION:

In patients with unexplained increase of the aneurysmal sac contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging could help to illuminate the underlying endoleak. The collateral network concept can explain spinal cord injury by even minor hemodynamic changes.

• Authors: David Volders, Inge Fourneau, Kim Daenens, Sabrina Houthoofd, Geert Maleux, André Nevelsteen
• Journal: Annals of vascular surgery (Ann Vasc Surg) Vol. 24 Issue 4 Pg. 550.e5-9 (May 2010) ISSN: 1615-5947 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 20129755 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2010 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Aortic Dissection (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology, surgery)
• Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology, surgery)
• Aortic Rupture (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology, surgery)
• Aortography (methods)
• Back Pain (etiology)
• Blood Vessel Prosthesis
• Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation (adverse effects, instrumentation)
• Chronic Disease
• Collateral Circulation
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Paraparesis (diagnostic imaging, etiology, physiopathology)
• Prosthesis Design
• Prosthesis Failure
• Reoperation
• Stents
• Tomography, Spiral Computed
• Treatment Outcome