Transcatheter embolization of mycotic aneurysm of the subclavian artery with metallic coils

J Cardiovasc Surg (Torino). 2000 Jun;41(3):463-7.

Abstract

Mycotic aneurysms of the subclavian artery are rare. This report describes an experience of 2 rare cases in which transcatheter embolization with metallic coils was performed for the management of these lesions alternative to surgery. Two patients who had been treated with chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms were diagnosed as having mycotic aneurysms of the left subclavian artery. The causes of these lesions were presumed to be the invasion of the arterial wall by the pulmonary abscess in case 1, and wound infection after placement of the reservoir for intraarterial chemotherapy in case 2. In both cases, proximal and distal sites of the aneurysm were embolized with metallic coils. In case 1, the vertebral artery was also embolized with Guglielmi detachable coils to avoid retrograde blood flow. Both aneurysms were completely occluded by a single embolization. In case 1, although weakness and paresthesia of the left hand remained, lethal hemoptysis due to aneurysmal fistulization to the lung parenchyma ceased. In case 2, no neurological deficit except for mild paresthesia in the left thumb had been observed. Both patients died of primary disease 10 and 5 months after the procedure. Transcatheter embolization is technically feasible and effective enough to treat the mycotic aneurysm of the subclavian artery even in the situation in which the surgical option seems to be difficult or risky.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, Infected / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, Infected / microbiology
  • Aneurysm, Infected / therapy*
  • Angiography
  • Catheterization, Peripheral*
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Metals*
  • Middle Aged
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia / isolation & purification
  • Subclavian Artery* / diagnostic imaging
  • Subclavian Artery* / microbiology

Substances

  • Metals