Traumatic aortic pseudoaneurysm

Abstract

A case report of a 5 years old male child, with a history of crash injury--(blunt trauma)--on the chest. Computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest revealed an aneurysm involving the arch of the aorta. An aortogram showed its exact extension. Chest X-Ray showed collapsed left lung (due to pressure of aneurysm on left main bronchus). Surgery was done o aortic arch: Resection of the aneurysm, and patch repair of aorta, under profound hypothermic circulatory arrest (PHCA) and CPB. Left bronchial tear was also closed. Post operatively the patient was ventilated for about 36 hours to allow for lung expansion. The patient had a smooth postoperative course. Intensive chest physiotherapy and repeated bronchoscopies helped in recovering the left lung function.