Nonclassical Cause of Obstructive Jaundice: A Case Report of Multiple Visceral Arterial Aneurysms in a Young Patient

Multiple visceral artery aneurysms are relatively rare;the rarest are superior mesenteric artery and gastroduodenal artery aneurysms. The clinical presentation depends on the size and site of the aneurysm. We report the case of a 33-year-old man with recurrent episodes of obstructive jaundice and weight loss. Computed tomography with contrast revealed scattered hepatic arterial aneurysms with two other aneurysms along the course of the left gastro-duodenal and superior mesenteric artery. Investigations to determine the etiology were negative, but the patient had a history of smoking and substance abuse. Angiography revealed an occluded feeding artery. The patient developed multiorgan failure, leading to cardiac arrest and died. Diagnosing multiple visceral artery aneurysms needs a high index of suspicion;early diagnosis enables early intervention, which can reduce the high mortality of this condition.

Hematochezia due to rectal invasion by an internal iliac artery aneurysm: A case report

BACKGROUND This case report presents the rare occurrence of hematochezia due to an internal iliac artery aneurysm leading to an arterioenteric fistula,expanding the differential diagnosis for gastrointestinal bleeding.It emphasizes the importance of considering vascular origins in cases of atypical hematochezia,particularly in the absence of common gastrointestinal causes,and highlights the role of imaging and multidisciplinary management in diagnosing and treating such unusual presentations.CASE SUMMARY A 75-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented with 12 d of hematochezia,experiencing bloody stools 7-8 times per day.Initial computed tomography(CT)scans revealed an aneurysmal rupture near the right internal iliac artery with suspected hematoma development.Hemoglobin levels progressively decreased to 7 g/dL.Emergency arterial angiography and iliac arterycovered stent placement were performed,followed by balloon angioplasty.Despite initial stabilization,minor rectal bleeding and abdominal pain persisted,leading to further diagnostic colonoscopy.This identified a neoplasm and potential perforation at the proximal rectum.An exploratory laparotomy confirmed the presence of a hematoma and an aneurysm invading the rectal wall,necessitating partial rectal resection,intestinal anastomosis,and ileostomy.Postoperative recovery was successful,with no further bleeding incidents and normal follow-up CT and colonoscopy results after six months.CONCLUSION In cases of unusual gastrointestinal bleeding,it is necessary to consider vascular causes for effective diagnosis and intervention.

“Treat-Repair-Treat”:Management of Left Main Coronary Compression by a Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm in a Patient with Atrial Septal Defect and Significant Pulmonary Hypertension

Left main coronary compression syndrome(LMCS)may complicate pulmonary artery aneurysms(PAA),usually developed in the context of pulmonary arterial hypertension(PAH).We report the case of a 51-year-old female patient with an atrial septal defect(unsuitable for device closure)complicated by a PAA generating a 90%left main stenosis.The significant PAH held us back from immediate surgery.After specific dual PAH-targeted therapy(sildenafil and bosentan),the atrial septal defect could be closed with a unidirectional valved patch;the PAAinduced LMCS was treated by reductive arterioplasty.The postoperative course was uneventful.Follow-up showed clinical improvement,but PAH treatment was still needed.After three months,coronary angiography showed only an insignificant residual left main stenosis,proving that reductive pulmonary arterioplasty was effective in treating LMCS.Any PAA requires further evaluation for LMCS,a dangerous but treatable complication.The“treat-repair-treat”strategy and shunt-closure with a unidirectional valved patch can both improve surgical prospects of LMCS with shunt-related PAH.

Pulmonary artery aneurysm protruding into the bronchus as an endobronchial mass:A case report

BACKGROUND Pulmonary artery(PA)aneurysms are usually diagnosed radiographically and present as small or large lesions resembling inflammation or a neoplasm on chest radiography.It has rarely been reported as an endobronchial mass.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 64-year-old man who presented with recurrent hemoptysis.Bronchoscopy revealed a tumorous protrusion blocking the right middle lobe bronchus,which was confirmed to be a PA aneurysm using endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy and computed tomography angiography.CONCLUSION Although endobronchial PA aneurysms are rare,bronchoscopists need to add this lesion to the list of endobronchial masses for which a biopsy is to be assiduously avoided.

Giant-Size Main Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm in an Adult Patient with Ebstein Anomaly and Dextrocardia

Main pulmonary artery aneurysms are rare,mostly asymptomatic and discovered accidentally.The main pulmonary artery aneurysms may be idiopathic or secondary to underlying diseases such as pulmonary hypertension,Behcet’s disease,connective tissue disorders,congenital heart disease,vasculitis,syphilis,tuberculosis and endocarditis.There are some indices that dextrocardia is associated with anomalies of the pulmonary arteries and pulmonary valve.A rare occurrence of main pulmonary artery aneurysms results in a lack of recommendations,so the remaining challenges are whether main pulmonary artery aneurysms should be treated,how,and when.The decision on surgical intervention or conservative treatment of the main pulmonary artery aneurysms depends on its size,etiology and accompanying diseases and includes a multidisciplinary heart team.Our case of the main pulmonary artery aneurysm and pulmonary valve abnormality associated with Ebstein anomaly and dextrocardia in a 67-year-old male patient brings causality considerations and treatment options in such a unique condition.

Giant splenic artery aneurysm presenting with massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Splenic artery aneurysm(SAA)and pseudoaneurysm are rare vessel’s lesions.Pseudoaneurysm is often symptomatic and secondary to pancreatitis or trauma.True SAA is the most common aneurysm of visceral vessels.In contrast to pseudoaneurysm,SAA is usually asymptomatic until the rupture,with high mortality rate.The clinical onset of SSA’s rupture is a massive life-threatening bleeding with hemodynamic instability,usually into the free peritoneal space and more rarely into the gastrointestinal tract.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case of a 35-year-old male patient,with negative past medical history,who presented to the emergency department for massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding,severe anemia and hypotension.An esophagogastroduodenoscopy performed in emergency showed a gastric bulging in the greater curvature/posterior wall with a small erosion on its surface,with a visible vessel,but no active bleeding.Endoscopic injection therapy with cyanoacrylate glue was performed.Urgent contrast-enhanced computed tomography was carried out due to the clinical scenario and the unclear endoscopic aspect:The radiological examination showed a giant SAA which was adherent to posterior stomach wall,and some smaller aneurysms of the left gastric and ileocolic artery.Because of the high risk of a two-stage rupture of the giant SAA with dramatic outcome,the patient underwent immediate open surgery with aneurysmectomy,splenectomy and distal pancreatectomy with a good postoperative outcome.CONCLUSION The management of a ruptured giant SAA into the stomach can be successful with surgical approach.

Management of splenic artery aneurysm associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction

BACKGROUND: Splenic artery aneurysms although rare are clinically significant in view of their propensity for spontaneous rupture and life-threatening bleeding. While portal hypertension is an important etiological factor, the majority of reported cases are secondary to cirrhosis of the liver. We report three cases of splenic artery aneurysms associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and discuss their management. METHODS: The records of three patients of splenic artery aneurysm associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction managed from 2003 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinical presentation, surgical treatment and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: The aneurysm was >3 cm in all patients. The clinical symptoms were secondary to extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (hematemesis in two, portal biliopathy in two) while the aneurysm was asymptomatic. Doppler ultrasound demonstrated aneurysms in all patients. A proximal splenorenal shunt was performed in two patients with excision of the aneurysm in one patient and ligation of the aneurysm in another one. The third patient had the splenic vein replaced by collaterals and hence underwent splenectomy with aneurysmectomy. All patients had an uneventful post-operative course. CONCLUSIONS: Splenic artery aneurysms are associated with extrahepatic portal vein obstruction. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Although technically difficult, it can be safely performed in an experienced center with minimal morbidity and good outcome.

Coronary artery aneurysm:A review

Coronary artery aneurysm(CAA)is a clinical entity defined by a focal enlargement of the coronary artery exceeding the 1.5-fold diameter of the adjacent normal segment.Atherosclerosis is the main cause in adults and Kawasaki disease in children.CAA is a silent progressive disorder incidentally detected by coronary angiography,but it may end with fatal complications such as rupture,compression of adjacent cardiopulmonary structures,thrombus formation and distal embolization.The pathophysiological mechanisms are not well understood.Atherosclerosis,proteolytic imbalance and inflammatory reaction are involved in aneurysmal formation.Data from previously published studies are scarce and controversial,thereby the management of CAA is individualized depending on clinical presentation,CAA characteristics,patient profile and physician experience.Multiple therapeutic approaches including medical treatment,covered stent angioplasty,coil insertion and surgery were described.Herein,we provide an up-to-date systematic review on the pathophysiology,complications and management of CAA.

Reconstructive treatment of symptomatic vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms with Willis covered stent: Initial experience

Background:Symptomatic vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm(VADA)is a challenging disease with controversy on treatment strategy due to anatomic configuration and their nature.Moreover,the outcomes of reconstructive treatment have not been well established.Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of reconstructive endovascular treatment(EVT)for symptomatic VADAs with Willis covered stent.Methods:We evaluated retrospectively 13 patients with symptomatic VADAs who treated with Willis covered stent,compared with stent-assisted coiling(SAC)on the characteristics,posttreatment course,angiographic and clinical follow-up outcomes at an average of 14.4 months(range,3-48 months).Results:A total of 33 patients with symptomatic VADAs were reviewed,23 of these patients with ruptured VADAs.The technical successful rate is 100%respectively in Willis covered stent(Group A)and SAC(Group B,n=20).The initial complete occlusion rate was significant higher in group A(100%)than group B(30%)(p<0.01).Major procedure-related complications were not significant different in the two groups.Serial follow-up angiograms revealed 5 recurrent VADAs in group B and no recurrence in group A(p>0.05).No obvious in-stent stenosis and no re-hemorrhage and delayed ischemic symptoms during the follow-up period.The final angiograms of all survived patients demonstrated the complete occlusion rate was higher in group A(100%)than group B(80%),but no significant statistical difference(p>0.05).Clinical outcomes were favorable in 31(93.9%),severe disability occurred in one in group B,and only one death in group A.The final clinical outcomes were also not significant difference in the two groups(p>0.05).Conclusions:Our initial result demonstrated reconstructive EVT with Willis covered stent provides a viable approach for selected symptomatic VADAs involving the intracranial and extracranial segments,which is similar to favorable results with SAC.However,an expanded clinical experiences and larger cohort studies are needed.

Coronary artery aneurysm combined with myocardial bridge:A case report

BACKGROUND Coronary artery aneurysm combined with myocardial bridge is a very rare clinical situation.The prognosis of this clinical situation is not yet clear.CASE SUMMARY A coronary artery aneurysm and myocardial bridge in the same segment of the coronary artery were found in a 54-year-old female patient who underwent coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound examination.Through conservative treatment,the patient was discharged from the hospital smoothly,and she was in good condition during 5 mo of follow-up.CONCLUSION Coronary artery aneurysm combined with myocardial bridge seems to have a good prognosis,but due to the rarity of this clinical situation,further research and follow-up are needed.

Surgical repair of an emergent giant hepatic aneurysm with an abdominal aortic dissection:A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatic artery aneurysm(HAA)is the second most common visceral aneurysm.A significant number of hepatic aneurysms are found accidentally on examination.However,their natural history is characterized by their propensity to rupture,which is very serious and requires urgent treatment.An emergent giant hepatic aneurysm with an abdominal aortic dissection is less commonly reported.CASE SUMMARY We report the complicated case of a giant hepatic aneurysm with an abdominal aortic dissection.A 66-year-old female presented with the complaint of sudden upper abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting.Physical examination showed that her blood pressure was 214/113 mmHg.Her other vital signs were stable.Computed tomography found a giant hepatic proper aneurysm and dissection of the lower segment of the abdominal aorta.Furthermore,angiography showed a HAA with the maximum diameter of approximately 56 mm originating from the proper hepatic artery and located approximately 15 mm from the involved bifurcation of the left and right hepatic arteries with no collateral circulation.Therefore,we decided to use a stent to isolate the abdominal aortic dissection first,and then performed open repair.After the operation,the patient recovered well without complications,and her 3-month follow-up checkup did not reveal any late complications.CONCLUSION Open surgery is a proven method for treating giant hepatic aneurysms.If the patient's condition is complex,staged surgery is an option.

Coronary artery aneurysms caused by Kawasaki disease in an adult:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Kawasaki disease(KD) is a self-limiting febrile illness and an acute vasculitis with an unknown origin.It predominantly affects children aged < 5 years.KD is the common cause of acquired heart disease in children.We here report a case of KD in an asymptomatic young female patient diagnosed with multiple coronary aneurysms with calcification.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old female patient admitted to Hangzhou First People’s Hospital with coronary artery abnormality identified for 1 wk.The patient was asymptomatic;however,chest computed tomography occasionally revealed strip-like dense shadows in the coronal sulcus.After coronary angiography and Doppler echocardiography,the final diagnosis was coronary artery aneurysms(CAAs) caused by KD.Although the patient was asymptomatic with no history of KD in childhood,the definitive diagnosis was CAAs caused by KD.The patient was administered anticoagulant,and surgical treatment was recommended.CONCLUSION KD potentially causes CAAs in 25% of untreated cases,primarily occurring in the proximal portions of the coronary arteries.

Extensive complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm salvaged by surgical graft providing landing zone for endovascular graft:A case report

BACKGROUND Surgical repair of complex abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with a higher perioperative mortality and morbidity.The advent of endovascular aortic repair(EVAR)has reduced perioperative complications,although the utilization of such techniques is limited by lesion characteristics,such as involvement of the visceral or renal arteries(RA)and/or presence of a sealing zone.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old male presented with a Crawford type IV complex thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm(CAAA)starting directly distal to the diaphragm extending to both common iliac arteries(CIAs).The CAAA consist of a proximal and distal aneurysmal sac separated by a 1 cm-healthy zone in the infrarenal level.Due to the poor performance of the patient and the expansive disease,we planned a stepwise-combined surgery and EVAR to minimize invasiveness.A branched graft was implanted after surgical debranching of the visceral and RA.Since the patient had renal and liver injury after surgery,the second stage EVAR was performed 10 mo later.The stent graft was implanted from the distal portion of surgical branched graft to both CIAs during EVAR.The patient has been uneventful for 5-years after discharge and is being followed in the outpatient clinic.CONCLUSION The current case demonstrates that the surgical graft can provide a landing zone for second stage EVAR to avoid aggressive surgery in patients with poor performance with a long hostile CAAA.

Enlarged and Colored Enhanced 3D Printing of Renal Artery Aneurysms for Improved Imaging and Treatment Planning

Three dimensional printing (3D printing) technology is increasingly used to improve results in many areas of medicine. Physical models produced by this technology allow better appreciation of complex anatomical and pathologic conditions. In cardiovascular medicine and surgery, 3D modeling has been reported to be of help in treatment planning of abdominal aortic aneurysm, especially in cases of complex angulations and branching at the aneurysm neck. Here we report the use of 3D printing in cases of renal aneurysms. Enhanced 3D models of CTA images of renal aneurysms were prepared in house using common and freely available software programs, and an accurate desktop 3D printer. Eight reconstructed models were enlarged by a factor of 2 or more and then differentially painted to delineate normal arteries and aneurysmatic ones. These enhanced 3D solid models allowed visual and tactile inspection for a better appreciation of complex aneurysms. Color enhancement of these models added another dimension of comprehension, even for experienced surgeons and invasive radiologists, and allowed more accurate measurements of branch numbers, distances, and angles in space even with severe tortuosity. Endovascular use of covered stents and embolization techniques could be easily envisioned preoperatively. We conclude that enhanced, enlarged, and colored 3D printed models are a powerful tool for preoperative endovascular treatment planning of complex renal artery aneurysms.

Hepatic Artery Aneurysm: An Unusual Cause of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed in 49 Years Old Patient

Hepatic artery aneurysm (HAA) is a rare disease. HAA is generally asymptomatic disease when symptomatic, they usually present with abdominal pain, upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and/or jaundice, hypovolaemia secondary to rupture or GI bleeding with normal GI endoscopy. Surgical repair and endovascular treatment are the two therapeutic options available at present. Case report: A 49-year-old male presented at the emergency department with high gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain and jaundice. Gastroscopy showed an ulcer with flat pigmented haematin on ulcer base (Forrest IIc) that was controlled by medical treatment. CT angiography was done and showed aneurysm of the proper hepatic artery almost totally thrombosed measuring 100 × 59 mm associated with signs of contained rupture. Emergency surgery was indicated. The laparotomy objectified a rupture of the aneurysm in the biliary tree in per operative excision of aneurysm and ligation of the hepatic pedicle was carried out. After surgery, the evolution was favorable with a follow-up of 8 months. Conclusion: HAA rupture is a rare cause of upper GI bleeding. The mortality rate after rupture is relatively high. CT angiography or MRI can diagnose a ruptured of HAA. Urgent surgery should be the first choice in patients with a ruptured HAA with active hemorrhage causing hemorrhagic shock.

Outcomes of Open Surgery for Popliteal Artery Aneurysms:An 18-Year Experience in a Single Institution in Japan

Objective: To elucidate the outcomes of open surgery for popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) in a single Japanese institution. Materials and Methods: Between 1999 and 2016, 35 patients (44 PAAs) underwent open surgery in our department. The first-line surgical strategy involved the medial approach, with excision of the aneurysm sac and autologous vein bypass grafting. Associations between the outcomes and 1) the surgical management of the aneurysmal sac (aneurysmectomy vs. ligation with bypass) and 2) the preoperative clinical symptoms were evaluated. Results: There were no aneurysm-related deaths during the follow-up period (mean, 4 years;range, 1 - 17.6 years). The 5-year primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates were 67.9%, 72.7%, and 94.5%, respectively. Re-intervention was required for 19 PAAs (14 patients), including two PAAs in patients with suspected Beh&ccedil;et’s disease. Patency rates did not differ between the aneurysmectomy and ligation groups. Remnant sac enlargement occurred in 3 cases. Among asymptomatic patients, clinical symptoms did not deteriorate;however, the ankle brachial pressure index decreased ≥0.15 in patients with artery-graft mismatching. Conclusion: Patency rates were good, and our modified ligation with bypass procedure, which involves excising the sac as much as possible, exhibited less risk in terms of remnant sac enlargement compared to that in previous studies.

Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm following Stab Injury and Its Surgical Approach: A Case Report and Literature Review

Penetrating injuries to the subclavian arteries as well as post traumatic pseudoaneurysm involving Subclavian artery (SCA) are very much uncommon. We present one case of a 21 year-old male sustained a physical assault with a post stab injury left subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm. He was referred to our facility, two days after sustaining a penetrating chest trauma over left infraclavicular area of the chest. The presentation, diagnostic procedures and surgical approach for management of this very rare injury are discussed.

Microsurgical treatment on distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (9 cases report)

Objective To report the clinical diagnosis and microsurgical treatment of ruptured distal anterior cerebral artery aneurysm (DACAA) patients treated over the last 3 years. Methods 9 consecutive cases of ruptured DACAA operated from October 2007 to March 2010 were reviewed and followed up. Results 11 aneurysms were clipped

Incomplete Kawasaki disease complicated with acute abdomen: A case report

Kawasaki disease(KD)is an acute systemic vasculitis characterized by unknown etiology.CASE SUMMARY A 4.5-year-old boy developed an acute abdomen during the onset of incomplete KD.He still had persistent abdominal pain after undergoing exploratory laparotomy and appendectomy.Ultrasound examination at early onset revealed a giant coronary artery aneurysm.The patient developed a myocardial infarction and heart failure accompanied by respiratory and cardiac arrest.He underwent coronary artery revascularization and coronary artery bypass graft using an autologous internal mammary artery.After the operation,the cardiac output increased,and the symptoms of heart failure resolved.Follow-up evaluation at 1 mo after operation showed that the patient's cardiac function had restored to New York Heart Association standard Grade I heart failure,and normal growth was obtained.CONCLUSION Coronary artery revascularization and coronary artery bypass graft is an effective method for treating myocardial ischemia in children with KD complicated with giant coronary artery aneurysm.Nevertheless,some issues still need specific attention.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome with retroperitoneal haemorrhage:A case report

BACKGROUND Median arcuate ligament syndrome(MALS)is relatively rare and is due to extraluminal compression of the coeliac artery by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm.Here,we report a case of MALS found in a patient with abdominal pain and retroperitoneal haemorrhage for education and dissemination.CASE SUMMARY This article describes a 46-year-old female patient who was admitted to our hospital with abdominal pain as her chief complaint.She had experienced no obvious symptoms but had retroperitoneal bleeding during the course of the disease.Contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)and noninvasive CT angiography(CTA)led to an initial misdiagnosis of pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysm(PDAA)causing retroperitoneal hemorrhage.After intraoperative exploration and detailed analysis of enhanced CT and CTA images,a final diagnosis of MALS was made.The cause of the haemorrhage was bleeding from a branch of the gastroduodenal artery,not rupture of a PDAA.The prognosis of MALS combined with PDAA treated by laparoscopy and interventional therapy is still acceptable.The patient was temporarily treated by gastroduodenal suture haemostasis and was referred for further treatment.CONCLUSION MALS is very rare and usually has postprandial abdominal pain,upper abdominal murmur,and weight loss.It is diagnosed by imaging or due to complications.When a patient has abdominal bleeding or PDAA,we should consider whether the patient has celiac trunk stenosis(MALS or other etiology).When abdominal bleeding is combined with an aneurysm,we generally think of aneurysm rupture and hemorrhage first,but it may also be collateral artery rupture and hemorrhage.