RESUMO
Spinal cord ischemia after open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an unpredictable and devastating complication. We present a case report of a patient who developed paraplegia 6 hours after open repair of suprarenal AAA. A 74-yearold man presented with asymptomatic 5.5-cm suprarenal AAA, for which he underwent open repair under general anesthesia. The paraplegia was identified 6 hours after the operation. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed T2 signal hyperintensity and swelling of the spinal cord, which were consistent findings with subacute spinal cord infarction. Although intravenous steroid was administered and lumbar cerebral spinal fluid drainage was instituted, his neurological outcome did not improve. He was discharged after vigorous rehabilitation but still has paraplegia and requires wheelchair for ambulation.
RESUMO
Spinal cord ischemia after open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an unpredictable and devastating complication. We present a case report of a patient who developed paraplegia 6 hours after open repair of suprarenal AAA. A 74-yearold man presented with asymptomatic 5.5-cm suprarenal AAA, for which he underwent open repair under general anesthesia. The paraplegia was identified 6 hours after the operation. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging showed T2 signal hyperintensity and swelling of the spinal cord, which were consistent findings with subacute spinal cord infarction. Although intravenous steroid was administered and lumbar cerebral spinal fluid drainage was instituted, his neurological outcome did not improve. He was discharged after vigorous rehabilitation but still has paraplegia and requires wheelchair for ambulation.
RESUMO
Late aortic rupture following successful endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm still does occur. It represents the ultimate failure of endovascular aortic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm (EVAR) and subjects patients to equivalent risk of death as de novo rupture. Unfortunately, it is difficult to identify patients at risk for post-EVAR rupture as many present with aortic rupture in the absence of any endograft-related complications. Continued surveillance and timely intervention are of paramount importance to assure rupture-free survival, the ultimate goal of any aneurysm treatment modality. The vascular surgeon needs to be prepared to provide the optimal therapy, whether open or endovascular, for this challenging cohort of patients.