ABSTRACT
Imaging plays a crucial role in the postoperative monitoring of thoracic aortic repairs. With the development of multiple surgical techniques to repair the ascending aorta and aortic arch, it can be a daunting challenge for the radiologist to diagnose potential pathologies in this sea of various techniques, each with their own normal postoperative appearance and potential complications. In this paper, we will provide a comprehensive review of the postoperative imaging in the setting of thoracic aortic repairs, including the role of imaging, components of thoracic aortic repairs, the normal postoperative appearance, and potential complications.
Subject(s)
Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation , Humans , Aorta, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging , Aorta, Thoracic/surgery , Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Aorta , Diagnostic Imaging , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/diagnostic imaging , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/surgery , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic/complications , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/adverse effects , Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation/methods , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) typically occurs in the weeks after lobectomy or pneumonectomy and rarely occurs years after a surgical procedure. Management of BPF can be challenging, especially when it manifests in a delayed fashion. The report presents a case of asymptomatic BPF and pleurocutaneous fistula in a patient with a remote history of right pneumonectomy and unusual anatomy.