False Aneurysms at Both Ends of a Descending Thoracic Aortic Stent-Graft: Complication after Endovascular Repair of a Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcer

Abstract

Purpose:

To report the formation of false aneurysms at both ends of a stent-graft implanted in the descending thoracic aorta to repair a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer.

Case Report:

A 66-year-old woman with a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer was treated with a 34 × 70-mm homemade Gianturco-type stent covered with polytetrafluoroethylene graft. Four months later, she developed false aneurysms at both ends of the stent-graft. The patient refused further endovascular repairs, so the stent-graft was surgically removed and the aorta repaired.

Conclusions:

This case demonstrates an unusual complication that should be anticipated when a stent-graft is deployed in the acute phase of thoracic aortic ulcer or its variants.