Aortic Aneurysms Delayed Complications of Coarctation of the Aorta Repair Using Dacron Patch Aortoplasty

Coarctation of the aorta is a diaphragmlike ridge narrowing the lumen of the proximal descending aorta. Although surgical repair has proven to be a successful treatment of coarctation of the aorta, immediate and delayed postoperative complications are not rare. Of particular interest is the Occurrence of aneurysms after Dacron patch aortoplasty - often decades after Surgery. Delayed complication rates of up to 50% have been reported. We describe the clinical-radiologic presentations of 3 late complications of Dacron patch angioplasty: aortobronchopleural fistula, leaking pseudoaneurysm, and giant descending aortic aneurysm-all Successfully treated with bypass grafts. Because of the high incidence of delayed complications, lifelong Surveillance is necessary. The chest x-ray may be the first Clue to a delayed complication. Knowledge of radiologic finding,-, is helpful in the detection of complications before they become symptomatic. Transesophageal echocardiography, Computed tomography angiography, or magnetic resonance imaging with multiplanar reconstruction is diagnostic.