Endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcers : midterm results

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate mid-term results of endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcers. METHODS: Between February 2000 and November 2006, 18 consecutive patients underwent endovascular treatment of the descending thoracic aorta (N=16) and abdominal infrarenal aorta (N=2) for penetrating aortic ulcer, in a single University Hospital. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed. Mean follow-up was 41 months (range 4 to 77 months). RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all patients. No perioperative deaths occurred. No conversion to open repair or secondary procedures were required. Two patients died in the follow-up period for reasons not related to penetrating aortic ulcers. One type II endoleak was observed. It was still present, unchanged, twelve months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcers of the descending thoracic and infrarenal aorta were safe and effective in the mid-term in this small series of patients.