CASE REPORTS   

Italian Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery 2008 December;15(4):273-5

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Delayed post-traumatic large pseudoaneurysm of the descending aorta

Heis H. A. ¹, Bani-Hani K. E. ¹, Elheis M. A. ², Bani-Hani B. K. ¹

¹ Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Jordan University of Science and Technology King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid-Jordan 2 Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Jordan University of Science and Technology King Abdullah University Hospital, Irbid-Jordan

Traumatic false aneurysm formation involving the descending aorta is rare. This article presents a case of huge false aneurysm of the descending aorta in a 35-year-old male patient who presented six years following chest trauma with multiple rib fractures resulted from motor vehicle accident, necessitated insertion of a left sided intercostal chest tube. At presentation his aortic injury was not recognized. The condition was diagnosed six years later by chest computed tomography scan with contrast when the patient presented for evaluation of a left sided chest pain. This case and its complication serve to illustrate and emphasize the rationale for thorough initial assessment of patients who sustained trauma. Patients with significant chest wall trauma should be assessed for vascular injuries prior to discharge from hospital.