Proximal descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm in a 24-year-old man after 2 childhood repairs of interrupted aortic arch

Abstract

Improved management of interrupted aortic arch has increased long-term survival rates. Longer life expectancies in neonates and children surgically treated for interrupted aortic arch may necessitate complex reinterventions when sequelae develop in adulthood. We report the case of a 24-year-old man who had undergone initial repair of interrupted aortic arch type B at one week and reintervention at 6 years of age. He presented with a 5.5 × 9-cm pseudoaneurysm of the proximal descending thoracic aorta. He underwent surgical replacement of his distal aortic arch and proximal descending thoracic aorta, with a bypass to his left subclavian artery. In addition to our patient’s case, we discuss considerations in treating recipients of early interrupted aortic arch repairs as they live longer and undergo multiple reinterventions. (Tex Heart Inst J 2020;47(1):27-9).