Aortoaesophageal Fistula Caused by a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

peer reviewedPrimary aorto-oesophageal fistula, secondary to an aneurysm of the thoracic aorta, are almost fatal. In the literature, only twenty six successfully operated cases have been reported. We report the case of a 78-year-old man with a thoracic aortic aneurysm eroded into the mid oesophagus. Prompt diagnosis of an aorto-oesophageal fistula resulted from clinical history, CT-imaging and oesophagoscopy. The patient was successfully operated by exclusion of the thoracic aneurysm (insertion of a straight cryopreserved arterial allograft), oesophagectomy and cervical oesophagostomy and jejunostomy. The continuity of the digestive tube was later restored after preliminary aortic valve remplacement (stenosis of 0.8 cm2). This case report is the second in which a cryopreserved allograft was successfully implanted in the management of a primary aorto-oesophageal fistula

Endoleak, a specific complication of the endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms

peer reviewedEndoleaks represent the most common complication of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. With the increasing use of endovascular techniques for aortic aneurysm repair, the prevalence of endoleaks has risen. While maintaining pressurization of the aneurysm sac, endoleaks expose to persistent risks of an evolution towards rupture. Long-term surveillance with imaging studies is necessary to reduce the incidence of these specific complications that may require intervention. The objective of this article is to draw the attention to the possible occurrence of these complications and to report the elements of diagnosis and treatment

Aneurysmal degeneration of vein graft 34 years after common carotid bypass for blunt trauma

peer reviewe

Image of the Month. Massive Intramediastinal Aortic Rupture

peer reviewe

Endovascular stent-graft for thoracic aorta aneurysm caused by Salmonella

We describe the placement of an endovascular stent-graft in a patient with mycotic aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta caused by Salmonella. Endovascular grafting combined with antibiotic therapy in thoracic mycotic aneurysms might represent an alternative to conventional surgery in patients with high operative risk. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Blowout of Carotid Venous Patch Angioplasty

Two cases of vein patch blowout were observed five and seven days after carotid bifurcation endarterectomy with patch angioplasty. Both patients died in spite of emergency reoperation. One patient developed respiratory failure with subsequent fatal cardiac arrest seven days after reoperation; the other died of extensive hemispheric infarction on the fifth postoperative day. At reoperation both ruptures were found to be located in the middle of the patch whereas the suture lines were intact. Both patients were hypertensive. In the first case, an accessory saphenous vein retrieved from the calf had been the only venous material available for the patch, while the other patient had varicose veins in the contralateral leg. Pathology revealed central transmural tissue necrosis in one of the disrupted patches. A review of the literature regarding morphologic alterations of free vein grafts placed within the arterial circulation as well as hemodynamics in patched arterial segments may provide additional insight as to the inherent benefits and risks of vein patch angioplasty after carotid endarterectomy. When considering vein patch angioplasty, particular attention should be directed to the gross aspect of the vein to be used as well as to any antecedent history of phlebitis

stenosis of the Right Renal Artery Caused by the Crura of the Diaphragm. Report of a Case

We present one case of arterial hypertension that had rapidly developed in a 23-year-old patient. Arteriography demonstrates a light stenosis of the root of the right renal artery and an obstruction of the superior mesenteric artery. After an attempt of intraluminal dilatation had failed, we decided to carry out double revascularization with a venous graft. Postoperative control arteriography demonstrated early thrombosis in both grafts. Our second operation directly approached the lesion on the root of the renal artery, which was stenosed by muscle fibers from the right column of the diaphragm muscle. The resection of these fibers released the renal artery, which was otherwise normal, as was confirmed by the postoperative arteriogram. In a second part, we discuss the etiology of this double stenosis and our surgical strategy