Kristine DeMaio1, Shivam Kaushik2, Venu Vadlamudi3. 1. Department of Radiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Methodist University Hospital, 1265 Union Ave, 7 Thomas, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA. kdemaio@gmail.com. 2. Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine, 42 E Laurel Rd, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA. 3. Department of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road, Alexandria, VA, 22304, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Management of thoracic vascular injury predominantly focuses on the aorta and its tributaries while reports of venous injury are less frequent. Although rare, traumatic azygous vein injuries are associated with high mortality. Prompt treatment is required and has traditionally been open surgery. We present a case of an endovascular repair of an azygous vein injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A female patient presented to our trauma center following ejection after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). CT imaging workup revealed mediastinal and periaortic hematoma with active contrast extravasation adjacent to the azygos vein. She was referred to interventional radiology for vascular evaluation and potential endovascular intervention. The patient met criteria for class III hypovolemic shock upon arrival in the endovascular suite. Aortography demonstrated no arterial injury. Venography revealed a pseudoaneurysm on the superior aspect of the azygos arch and contrast extravasation from the inferior margin of the azygous arch. A stent-graft was deployed and post-deployment venogram showed no extravasation and successful exclusion of the injuries. The patient did not have further signs of bleeding. She left the interventional suite with improved vital signs, yet her condition remained guarded. Follow-up CT chest confirmed continued patency of the stent-graft at 8 days and 2 years post-procedure. CONCLUSION: Historically, azygos vein injuries are a rare occurrence and managed with open surgery. Swift management is necessary to prevent the increased morbidity and mortality associated with azygous vein injury, particularly in polytrauma patients such as the one presented here. We believe endovascular stent-graft treatment offers an innovative alternative to the current standard of operative management of azygos vein injury.
BACKGROUND: Management of thoracic vascular injury predominantly focuses on the aorta and its tributaries while reports of venous injury are less frequent. Although rare, traumatic azygous vein injuries are associated with high mortality. Prompt treatment is required and has traditionally been open surgery. We present a case of an endovascular repair of an azygous vein injury. CASE PRESENTATION: A female patient presented to our trauma center following ejection after a motor vehicle collision (MVC). CT imaging workup revealed mediastinal and periaortic hematoma with active contrast extravasation adjacent to the azygos vein. She was referred to interventional radiology for vascular evaluation and potential endovascular intervention. The patient met criteria for class III hypovolemic shock upon arrival in the endovascular suite. Aortography demonstrated no arterial injury. Venography revealed a pseudoaneurysm on the superior aspect of the azygos arch and contrast extravasation from the inferior margin of the azygous arch. A stent-graft was deployed and post-deployment venogram showed no extravasation and successful exclusion of the injuries. The patient did not have further signs of bleeding. She left the interventional suite with improved vital signs, yet her condition remained guarded. Follow-up CT chest confirmed continued patency of the stent-graft at 8 days and 2 years post-procedure. CONCLUSION: Historically, azygos vein injuries are a rare occurrence and managed with open surgery. Swift management is necessary to prevent the increased morbidity and mortality associated with azygous vein injury, particularly in polytraumapatients such as the one presented here. We believe endovascular stent-graft treatment offers an innovative alternative to the current standard of operative management of azygos vein injury.
Authors: Pavel Drac; Pavel Manak; Jiri Klein; Vladimir Kral Journal: Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub Date: 2007-12 Impact factor: 1.245