Porcelain Aorta and Quadruple Extracranial Vessel Occlusion: A Case of Minimal Neurological Deficits Despite Severe Vascular Blockages.

BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular occlusion is a critical health concern associated with strokes, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Large vessel occlusion, constituting a significant portion of acute ischemic strokes, presents serious patient outcomes. Occlusions involving multiple extracranial vessels are rare but pose challenges in early detection due to potential absence of overt symptoms. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old man with a significant smoking history and no prior history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease presented with recurrent generalized tonic seizures occurring 4 to 5 times daily. Despite normal neurological examinations, neck sonography indicated potential obstruction in the carotid and vertebral arteries. Conventional angiography revealed mild coronary artery plaques but complete occlusion of all cranial branches originating from the aorta, alongside porcelain aorta. Neck CT angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the supra-aortic branches of the aorta and absence of the right internal carotid artery, with evidence of proximal occlusion of the left internal carotid artery. Medical management without surgical intervention was pursued due to the patient's stable condition. He was discharged with a medication regimen including antiplatelet therapy and statins. Four-month follow-up showed significant symptom improvement, with minimal changes in brain blood flow circulation noted on CT. CONCLUSIONS This case underscores the brain's remarkable adaptive capacity in withstanding severe vascular challenges. The rarity of multiple extracranial vessel occlusions and presence of porcelain aorta further complicated the case. Utilizing advanced imaging techniques and personalized treatment approaches are crucial in managing complex vascular conditions. Ongoing research and careful monitoring are essential to advance understanding and management in such cases.

Prognosis of ischemic stroke patients with both aortic atheroma and cardioembolic sources.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between complex aortic plaque (CAP) and short-term as well as long-term outcomes following cardioembolic stroke. CAP is a known risk factor for occurrence and recurrence of ischemic stroke. However, the association of CAP on cardioembolic stroke remains unclear. This was retrospective study using prospective cohort of consecutive patients with cardioembolic stroke who underwent transesophageal echocardiography. The functional outcome was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months, and long-term outcomes were assessed by recurrence of ischemic stroke and occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Among 759 patients with cardioembolic stroke, 91 (12.0%) had CAP. Early ischemic stroke recurrence within 3 months was associated with CAP (p = 0.025), whereas CAP was not associated with functional outcome at 3 months (odd ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57-1.84, p = 0.973). During a median follow-up of 3.02 years, CAP was significantly associated with ischemic stroke recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.68, 95% CI 1.48-4.88, p = 0.001) and MACE occurrence (hazard ratio = 1.61, 95% CI 1.03-2.51, p = 0.039). In conclusion, CAP was associated with early ischemic stroke recurrence and poor long-term outcomes in patients with cardioembolic stroke. It might be helpful to consider transesophageal echocardiography for patients with cardioembolic stroke to identify CAP.

Repeated acute coronary syndrome caused by a mind-bending mural thrombus in ascending aorta: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome due to coronary artery embolism in the setting of ascending aortic thrombus is an uncommon condition, even rarer when there is no aortic pathology such as aneurysm, severe atherosclerosis, aortic dissection, or thrombophilia (whether inherited or acquired). CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 58-year-old male presented with acute chest pain, electrocardiogram showing non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome. The computed tomography angiography of coronary artery revealed a mural thrombus in the proximal part of ascending aorta, located above the left coronary artery ostium, without any aortic pathologies. With the exception of hypertension and cigarette smoking, no other risk factors were identified in this patient that may increase the risk of thrombosis. Given the life-threatening risk of interventional therapy and surgery, the patient determinedly opted for anticoagulant and dual antiplatelet therapy. Then he experienced the reoccurrence of chest pain after 6-day treatment, progressed to anterior and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary artery embolism originating from the ascending aortic thrombus was suspected. Considering the hemodynamic instability of the patient, the medical treatment was continued and bridged to warfarin and aspirin after discharge. Follow-up computed tomography angiography at 6 months showed no obstruction in coronary artery and complete resolution of the thrombus. No thromboembolic events occurred henceforward. CONCLUSIONS: Acute coronary syndrome could be a manifestation of secondary coronary embolism due to ascending aortic thrombus. Currently, there is no standardized guideline for the treatment of aortic mural thrombus, individualized treatment is recommended. When surgical therapy is not applicable for the patient, anticoagulation and dual antiplatelet treatment are alternative treatments that may successfully lead to the resolution of the aortic thrombus.

Impact of shaggy aorta on intraoperative cerebral embolism during carotid artery stenting.

BACKGROUND: Careful selection of patients for carotid stenting is necessary. We suggest that patients with a shaggy aorta syndrome may be at higher risk for perioperative embolic complications. METHODS: The study is a retrospective subanalysis of the SIBERIA Trial. We included 72 patients undergoing transfemoral carotid artery stenting. Patients were monitored during the procedures using multifrequency transcranial Doppler with embolus detection and differentiation. Pre- and postprocedural (2 and 30 days) cerebral diffusion-weighted cerebral MRIs were performed. RESULTS: Forty-six patients had shaggy aorta syndrome. Intraoperative embolisms were recorded in 82.6% and 46.1% of patients with and without shaggy aorta syndrome, respectively (P=0.001). New asymptomatic ischemic brain lesions in the postoperative period occurred in 78.3% and in 26.9% of patients with and without shaggy aorta syndrome, respectively (P<0.001). There were no cases of stroke within 2 days in both groups. 3 (6.5%) cases of stroke within 30 days after the procedure were observed only in patients with shaggy aorta syndrome. There were no cases of contralateral stroke. Shaggy aorta syndrome (OR 5.54 [1.83:16.7], P=0.001) and aortic arch ulceration (OR 6.67 [1.19: 37.3], P=0.02) were independently associated with cerebral embolism. Shaggy aorta syndrome (OR 9.77 [3.14-30.37], P<0.001) and aortic arch ulceration (OR 12.9 [2.3: 72.8], P=0.003) were independently associated with ipsilateral new asymptomatic ischemic brain lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Shaggy aorta syndrome and aortic arch ulceration significantly increase the odds of intraoperative embolism and new asymptomatic ischemic brain lesions. Carotid endarterectomy or transcervical carotid stent should be selected in patients with shaggy aorta syndrome.

Association of Aortic Stiffness and Pressure Pulsatility With Noninvasive Estimates of Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis: The Framingham Heart Study.

BACKGROUND: Arterial stiffening may contribute to the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. We aimed to assess relations of vascular hemodynamic measures with measures of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in the community. METHODS: Our sample was drawn from the Framingham Offspring, New Offspring Spouse, Third Generation, Omni-1, and Omni-2 cohorts (N=3875; mean age, 56 years; 54% women). We used vibration-controlled transient elastography to assess controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness measurements as measures of liver steatosis and liver fibrosis, respectively. We assessed noninvasive vascular hemodynamics using arterial tonometry. We assessed cross-sectional relations of vascular hemodynamic measures with continuous and dichotomous measures of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis using multivariable linear and logistic regression. RESULTS: In multivariable models adjusting for cardiometabolic risk factors, higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (estimated ß per SD, 0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P=0.003), but not forward pressure wave amplitude and central pulse pressure, was associated with more liver steatosis (higher controlled attenuation parameter). Additionally, higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (ß=0.11 [95% CI, 0.07-0.15]; P<0.001), forward pressure wave amplitude (ß=0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P=0.01), and central pulse pressure (ß=0.05 [95% CI, 0.01-0.09]; P=0.01) were associated with more hepatic fibrosis (higher liver stiffness measurement). Associations were more prominent among men and among participants with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome (interaction P values, <0.001-0.04). Higher carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, but not forward pressure wave amplitude and central pulse pressure, was associated with higher odds of hepatic steatosis (odds ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.02-1.31]; P=0.02) and fibrosis (odds ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.19-1.64]; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated aortic stiffness and pressure pulsatility may contribute to hepatic steatosis and fibrosis.

Aorto-left atrial fistula secondary to aortic infective endocarditis in a dog with a bicuspid aortic valve.

An 11-year-old male neutered American bulldog was presented for evaluation of thrombocytopenia, acute onset of ataxia, and vomiting. A new murmur was auscultated on physical examination. Transthoracic echocardiographic examination revealed a bicuspid aortic valve, vegetative lesions on the aortic valve, and continuous shunting from the aortic root to the left atrium through an aorta to left atrial fistula. The dog was euthanized due to its guarded prognosis and critical condition. Pathological examination confirmed presence of a bicuspid aortic valve, aorto-left atrial fistula, and aortic infective endocarditis. Antemortem blood culture revealed two unusual organisms: Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Fusobacterium mortiferum.

Independent Associations of Aortic Calcification with Cirrhosis and Liver Related Mortality in Veterans with Chronic Liver Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Abdominal aortic calcifications (AAC) are incidentally found on medical imaging and useful cardiovascular burden approximations. The Morphomic Aortic Calcification Score (MAC) leverages automated deep learning methods to quantify and score AACs. While associations of AAC and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been described, relationships of AAC with other liver diseases and clinical outcome are sparse. This study's purpose was to evaluate AAC and liver-related death in a cohort of Veterans with chronic liver disease (CLD). METHODS: We utilized the VISN 10 CLD cohort, a regional cohort of Veterans with the three forms of CLD: NAFLD, hepatitis C (HCV), alcohol-associated (ETOH), seen between 2008 and 2014, with abdominal CT scans (n = 3604). Associations between MAC and cirrhosis development, liver decompensation, liver-related death, and overall death were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: The full cohort demonstrated strong associations of MAC and cirrhosis after adjustment: HR 2.13 (95% CI 1.63, 2.78), decompensation HR 2.19 (95% CI 1.60, 3.02), liver-related death HR 2.13 (95% CI 1.46, 3.11), and overall death HR 1.47 (95% CI 1.27, 1.71). These associations seemed to be driven by the non-NAFLD groups for decompensation and liver-related death [HR 2.80 (95% CI 1.52, 5.17; HR 2.34 (95% CI 1.14, 4.83), respectively]. DISCUSSION: MAC was strongly and independently associated with cirrhosis, liver decompensation, liver-related death, and overall death. Surprisingly, stratification results demonstrated comparable or stronger associations among those with non-NAFLD etiology. These findings suggest abdominal aortic calcification may predict liver disease severity and clinical outcomes in patients with CLD.

Aortic thrombosis and acute kidney injury due to atherosclerosis in a dog.

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is a chronic lipid-driven inflammatory disease of the arterial wall. Due to its cardiovascular ischemic complications, it is one of the most common causes of death in people. However, atherosclerosis is seldomly reported in dogs. ANIMAL: A 10-year-old male mixed-breed dog. CLINICAL PRESENTATION, PROGRESSION, AND PROCEDURES: Severe acute kidney injury associated with thrombosis of the abdominal aorta. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: Treatment included renal replacement therapy, antithrombotic therapy, and supportive care. However, the dog developed neurological and respiratory complications and was euthanized due to worsening kidney function and lack of improvement of the thrombosis. Postmortem examination confirmed the presence of aortic thromboembolism and renal infarcts. Histology revealed severe chronic-active atherosclerosis of the distal aorta and renal arteries. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Aortic thrombosis is uncommon in dogs, and it is often associated with underlying conditions such as protein-losing nephropathy, endocrine disorders, cardiac disease, or hypercoagulability. In this case, no specific underlying cause was identified and atherosclerosis was considered the primary cause of the thrombosis.

Predictive factors of thoracic aortic calcification in patients candidate for cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND: The presence of the severe thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) in cardiac surgery patients is associated with adverse post-operative outcome. However, the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and aortic plaque burden remains unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the predictive factors of TAC in patients candidate for cardiac surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent thoracic CT scan prior to cardiac surgery between August 2020 to April 2021 were included. Of 556 patients, 209 (36.7%) had a thoracic aortic calcium score (TACS) ≥ 400 mm [3] and were compare with the remaining patients. Predictors of severe TAC were assessed through stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The patients with TACS ≥ 400 had a higher mean age (67.3 ± 7.1 vs. 55.7 ± 10.6; p < 0.001) with a higher frequency of diabetes mellitus (40.7% vs. 30.8%; p = 0.018), dyslipidemia (49.8% vs. 38.6%; p = 0.010), hypertension (60.8% vs. 44.7%; p < 0.001), opium addiction (18.2% vs. 11.2%; p = 0.023), peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (7.7% vs. 2.3%; p = 0.005) as compared with TACS < 400. The multiple determinants of TAC were PVD (OR = 2.86) followed by opium addiction, diabetes and age. CONCLUSIONS: Thoracic CT scan prior to cardiac surgery for patients with older age, diabetes, opium addiction and PVD is recommended. Our study could serve as a foundation for future research endeavors aimed at establishing a risk score for TAC.

Predictive machine learning models for ascending aortic dilatation in patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves undergoing cardiothoracic surgery: a prospective, single-centre and observational study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to develop clinical classifiers aiming to identify prevalent ascending aortic dilatation in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) and tricuspid aortic valve (TAV). DESIGN AND SETTING: A prospective, single-centre and observational cohort. PARTICIPANTS: The study involved 543 BAV and 491 TAV patients with aortic valve disease and/or ascending aortic dilatation, excluding those with coronary artery disease, undergoing cardiothoracic surgery at the Karolinska University Hospital (Sweden). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictors of high risk of ascending aortic dilatation (defined as ascending aorta with a diameter above 40 mm) were identified through the application of machine learning algorithms and classic logistic regression models. EXPOSURES: Comprehensive multidimensional data, including valve morphology, clinical information, family history of cardiovascular diseases, prevalent diseases, demographic details, lifestyle factors, and medication. RESULTS: BAV patients, with an average age of 60.4±12.4 years, showed a higher frequency of aortic dilatation (45.3%) compared with TAV patients, who had an average age of 70.4±9.1 years (28.9% dilatation, p <0.001). Aneurysm prediction models for TAV patients exhibited mean area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUC) values above 0.8, with the absence of aortic stenosis being the primary predictor, followed by diabetes and high-sensitivity C reactive protein. Conversely, prediction models for BAV patients resulted in AUC values between 0.5 and 0.55, indicating low usefulness for predicting aortic dilatation. Classification results remained consistent across all machine learning algorithms and classic logistic regression models. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Cardiovascular risk profiles appear to be more predictive of aortopathy in TAV patients than in patients with BAV. This adds evidence to the fact that BAV-associated and TAV-associated aortopathy involves different pathways to aneurysm formation and highlights the need for specific aneurysm preventions in these patients. Further, our results highlight that machine learning approaches do not outperform classical prediction methods in addressing complex interactions and non-linear relations between variables.

Vascular covered stent and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for Aortoesophageal fistula caused by esophageal fishbone: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare condition characterized by communication between the aorta and esophagus. AEF caused by an esophageal foreign body is even rare, and there is currently no recommended standard treatment protocol. We report a case of delayed aortic rupture after the endoscopic removal of a fish bone, which was successfully treated with a combined approach of vascular stenting and thoracic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 33-year-old man presented to the hospital after experiencing chest discomfort for 3 days following the accidental ingestion of a fish bone. Under endoscopic guidance, the fish bone was successfully removed, and the patient was subsequently admitted for medical therapy. On the fourth postoperative day, the patient suddenly developed hematemesis, and chest computed tomography angiography revealed the presence of an AEF. This necessitated urgent intervention; hence, thoracic surgery was performed and a vascular-covered stent was placed. Following the surgical procedure, the patient received active medical treatment, recovered well, and was successfully discharged from the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with esophageal perforation caused by foreign bodies, hospitalization for observation, computed tomography angiography examination, early use of antibiotics, and careful assessment of aortic damage are advised. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair and esophageal rupture repair may have benefits for the treatment of AEF.

3-D transesophageal echocardiography aids in assessment of embolic stroke due to aortic atherosclerotic plaque: A case series.

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke. Plaque thickness ≥4 mm in the ascending aorta or aortic arch is strongly correlated with cerebral embolic events and ischemic stroke. However, despite imaging workup, the cause of embolic stroke remains unidentified in many patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is the preferred echocardiographic method for the evaluation of cardiac source of emboli. 2D TEE imaging evaluates aortic root and aortic arch in a single plane or two planes with biplane imaging. However, 2D TEE often fails to detect mobile or complex components in the ascending aorta and aortic arch plaques. The routine availability of 3D TEE in current ultrasound systems may significantly improve the assessment of aortic plaques as a potential embolic source. In this case series, we present four consecutive patients with stroke who underwent TEE by a single cardiologist for possible cardioembolic source. Some of these patients may have been labelled as "cryptogenic stroke" or "embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS) due to the presence of insignificant or nonmobile ascending aortic or aortic arch plaques on 2D TEE imaging. In our four consecutive patients with ESUS who underwent TEE by a single operator, 3D TEE showed complex aortic arch plaques with ulceration with mobile components and established these plaques as the likely source of embolic stroke.

Association of aortic stiffness with abdominal vascular and coronary calcifications in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Increased central (aortic) arterial stiffness has hemodynamic repercussions that affect the incidence of cardiovascular and renal disease. In chronic kidney disease (CKD) there may be an increase in aortic stiffness secondary to multiple metabolic alterations including calcification of the vascular wall (VC). The objective of this study was to analyze the association of central aortic pressures and aortic stiffness with the presence of VC in abdominal aorta (AAC) and coronary arteries(CAC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 87 pacientes with CKD stage 3 and 4. Using applanation tonometry, central aortic pressures and aortic stiffness were studied. We investigated the association of aortic pulse wave velocity (Pvc-f) and Pvc-f adjusted for age, blood pressure, sex and heart rate (Pvc-f index) with AAC obtained on lumbar lateral radiography and CAC assessed by multidetector computed tomography. AAC and CAC were scored according to Kauppila and Agatston methods, respecti-vely. For the study of the association between Pvc-f index, Kauppila score, Agatston score, central aortic pressures, clinical parameters and laboratory data, multiple and logistic regression were used. We investigated the diagnosis performance of the Pvc-f index for prediction of VC using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: Pvc-f and Pvc-f index were 11.3 ± 2.6 and 10.6 m/s, respectively. The Pvc-f index was higher when CKD coexisted with diabetes mellitus (DM). AAC and CAC were detected in 77% and 87%, respectively. Albuminuria (ß = 0.13, p = 0.005) and Kauppila score (ß = 0.36, p = 0.001) were independently associated with Pvc-f index. In turn, Pvc-f index (ß = 0.39, p = 0.001), DM (ß = 0.46, p = 0.01), and smoking (ß = 0.53; p = 0.006) were associated with Kauppila score, but only Pvc-f index predicted AAC [OR: 3.33 (95% CI: 1.6-6.9; p = 0.001)]. The Kauppila score was independently associated with the Agatston score (ß = 1.53, p = 0.001). The presence of AAC identified patients with CAC with a sensitivity of 73%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 38%. The Vpc-f index predicted the presence of CAC [OR: 3.35 (95% CI: 1.04-10.2, p = 0.04)]. In the ROC curves, using the Vpc-f index, the AUC for AAC and CAC was 0.82 (95%CI: 0.71-0.93, p = 0.001) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.67-0.96, p = 0.02), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: When stage 3-4 CKD coexists with DM there is an increase in aortic stiffness determined by the Vpc-f index. In stage 3-4 CKD, AAC and CAC are very prevalent and both often coexist. The Vpc-f index is independently associated with AAC and CAC and may be useful in identifying patients with VC in these territories.

Echocardiographic and pathologic identification of an aorto-left atrial fistula secondary to infective endocarditis in a canine patient.

A dog was presented for lameness, fever, and extreme lethargy. On physical exam, a new heart murmur, arrhythmia, and joint effusion were detected. These findings were not detected two months prior. A diagnostic work-up confirmed septic suppurative inflammation in multiple joints. Echocardiogram revealed aortic valvular endocarditis along with a communication, as a consequence of a fistula, that extended from just below the aortic sinotubular junction to the left atrial lumen. Due to a poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. Necropsy and histopathology confirmed infective endocarditis of the aortic valve and an aorto-left atrial fistulous tract extending from the left coronary sinus of the aortic valve to the lumen of left atrium.

Massive gastrointestinal bleed due to a primary aortoenteric fistula.

A man in his 60s attended emergency for acute-onset abdominal pain and haematemesis. Requiring resuscitation, a CT abdomen/pelvis revealed a primary aortoenteric fistula actively bleeding into the duodenum. His background included a previous severe Q-fever infection and a heavy smoking history. Despite attempts at resuscitation and an emergent surgical attempt at haemostasis, the patient did not survive the massive gastrointestinal haemorrhage.Even in less severe cases, management of aortoenteric fistulas is tricky. Blood cultures and angiographic imaging are important investigations in guiding surgical approach. The pathology tends to have a significant rate of mortality even at tertiary-level vascular surgical centres.

Coral reef aorta: a rare form of obstruction of the ascending aorta in adolescent with aortopathy- case report.

BACKGROUND: Supra aortic obstruction in children is uncommon and is seen in certain unique conditions. While intraluminal obstruction due to heavy calcification is seen in older populations, it is not described in pediatric populations. The coral reef aorta is a rare and distinct calcifying disease causing luminal obstruction of the suprarenal aorta in adults. The definition of this diagnosis relies entirely on the unique aspects and consistency of the lesions, which are rock-hard, irregular, gritty plaques with a white luminal surface resembling a coral reef. However, no such case has been described in children. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an adolescent boy who presented with a heavily calcified ascending aortic lesion associated with aortopathy and hypertension, 12 years after an aortic coarctation repair. The investigations included echocardiography, magnetic resonance and computer-tomographic imaging. A 3-D model was printed in order to visualize and plan surgical steps in advance for safe placement of clamps and defining the extent of resection. In addition, it provided an idea about tissue quality, thickness, spatial relationship, and orientation in relation to surrounding structures. Successful resection and replacement of the diseased segment of the aorta were achieved on cardiopulmonary bypass support. Post-operative recovery was uneventful, and at 6-month follow-up, the patient is doing well. In this report, various aspects of such lesions have been discussed, including clinical presentations, complications, planning and conduct of a safe cardiopulmonary bypass, and precautions during surgery for a successful outcome. CONCLUSION: Complicated obstructive aortic lesions in children require careful assessment, appropriate advanced imaging, and the use of 3-D printing technology in order to plan and perform safe and effective surgical management. The etiology of severe calcified aorta in children may be related to metabolic factors, previous surgery, use of a homograft, or an inflammatory process. However, it has yet to be proven.

A successful endovascular aortic repair of aortoesophageal fistula following esophagectomy: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is an extremely rare and highly fatal complication leading to a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Successful management of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma has rarely been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a rare case of a 44-year-old female with complications of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma, mainly presented as vomiting of blood. Both computed tomographic and computed tomography angiography of the chest showed bilateral pleural effusion and atelectasis, while gastroscopy showed large gastrointestinal bleeding. Emergency surgery was performed that included the removal of the mediastinal abscess, left lower pulmonary wedge resection, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), followed by supportive treatment. The surgery went successful, and the patient was followed up for 1 year after discharge and showed good recovery. We also reviewed previous literature on the history, causes, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: In our case, thoracotomy combined with TEVAR was effective in treating AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal adenocarcinoma. This case provides successful experiences for clinical diagnosis and treatment of AEF after esophagectomy for esophageal carcinoma.

Left coronary sinus of valsalva aneurysm dissecting into interventricular septum: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is an extremely rare condition, and its rupture causes acute symptoms such as chest pain and dyspnea. Ruptured SVA is frequently associated with other congenital defects. CASE PRESENTATION: A 37-year-old male presented with SVA originating from the left coronary sinus that ruptured into the interventricular septum. SVA was diagnosed by echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and confirmed during the operation. CONCLUSIONS: SVA is a rare cardiac abnormality which can lead to severe clinical symptoms upon rupture. Immediate surgery is necessary to repair the ruptured SVA.