Endovascular management of unruptured intercostal artery aneurysms

CVIR Endovasc. 2019;2(1):2. doi: 10.1186/s42155-018-0048-7. Epub 2019 Jan 4.

Abstract

Background: Intercostal artery aneurysms are rare vascular abnormalities that are typically diagnosed following rupture in patients with predisposing conditions. Our report is the first to document a patient with unruptured intercostal artery aneurysms in the absence of any associated disease.

Case presentation: A 70-year-old male with prostatic adenocarcinoma was incidentally discovered to have multiple unruptured aneurysms of his intercostal arteries. Three of the aneurysms were embolized utilizing microcoils and glue. At six-month follow-up the patient remained asymptomatic.

Conclusion: We demonstrate successful endovascular management of a unique case of multiple idiopathic unruptured intercostal artery aneurysms. Appropriate diagnosis and prompt treatment of these rare vascular lesions is essential in preventing the potentially catastrophic consequences of rupture.

Keywords: Aneurysm; Angiography; Embolization; Endovascular procedure; Intercostal artery.