Thoracodorsal artery as a collateral source to the artery of Adamkiewicz after endovascular aneurysm repair for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Nakai, M; Shimizu, S; Ochi, Y; Kato, G; Okada, M · Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · 2009

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Paraplegia is one of the most tragic complications following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for descending thoracic aortic aneurysm (DTAA). Collateral circulation to the artery of Adamkiewicz (AA) is important to avoid spinal cord ischaemia. We report a case in which the thoracodorsal artery had become a collateral source to the AA. A 71-year-old man had undergone EVAR for DTAA. Three years after EVAR, an angiography demonstrated that the thoracodorsal artery had joined the 11th intercostal artery and had become a collateral source to the AA. The collateral circulation of thoracic wall arteries may play an important role in the postoperative spinal perfusion.

Medical subject headings