Segmental artery pseudoaneurysm associated with thoracic spinal fracture.

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.