Percutaneous device closure of a massive pseudoaneurysm of the descending aorta in a paediatric patient with Takayasu arteritis

Jithin G. Thomas, Jayneel A. Joshi

Abstract

Takayasu arteritis (TA) is commonly known as a disease of young women, highly prevalent in Asia and Central America, and associated with multiple vascular complications. Although it is well described in the paediatric population, severe complications are rarely seen. A 6-year-old girl was referred to our institution with features suggestive of a tuberculosis infection, along with a suspected intrathoracic mass on preliminary imaging. Further investigations confirmed the mass to be a massive pseudoaneurysm originating from the descending aorta and extending into the left hemithorax. A multidisciplinary team concluded that this pseudoaneurysm carried a high mortality risk with a direct surgical approach. This case report describes the use of an Amplatzer™ septal occluder as a bridge to surgical excision of the massive pseudoaneurysm in a paediatric patient with confirmed TA.