Segmental artery pseudoaneurysm associated with thoracic spinal fracture

Abstract

Segmental artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication of spinal trauma. We present an unusual case of thoracic 11-12 segmental artery pseudoaneurysm caused by thoracal spine fracture. A 72-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department because of a car accident. Neurological examination revealed complete motor and sensorial deficiency below the level of T10. Direct x-ray of the thoracic and lumbar spine was performed together with Computerized Tomography (CT) at the level of T9-10-11. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were also performed. X-ray revealed anterior displacement of thoracic 10 with the burst fracture of thoracic 11 vertebral bodies. The computerized tomography (CT) of this region showed a pseudo-aneurysm formation located in the left aortic region. Surgical decompression and stabilization of the involved thoracic vertebras was performed. After surgery; the patient was referred to cardiovascular surgery and endovascular radiology department for further treatment of the pseudoaneurysm.