SUCCESS STORIES

SUCCESS STORY: PRECISION MANAGEMENT OF A COMPLEX ANEURYSM CASE

Some medical conditions arrive quietly, masked behind vague symptoms. Such was the case of a 70-year-old woman with a complex medical history—diabetes, hypertension, prior coronary interventions, and renal artery stenting—who recently came under Dr. Priya Palimkar’s care.

She presented with subtle but concerning complaints: abdominal pain, fever, and swelling in both legs. While these may seem routine, her background prompted further evaluation. An initial ultrasound revealed a suspicious collection near the right adrenal area, which warranted advanced imaging.

A CT Aortogram revealed the true danger—a 57 mm long infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with mural thrombus. Given her cardiac and renal history, this was a high-stakes case that required meticulous planning and multidisciplinary coordination.

The patient’s bloodwork revealed low hemoglobin and elevated creatinine (1.6 mg/dL). Stabilizing her condition was the first priority. In collaboration with a nephrologist, her renal status was optimized to minimize risks. Once stable, a Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) was performed to map out the aneurysm in detail.

With the anatomy clearly defined, Dr. Palimkar proceeded with a minimally invasive endovascular abdominal aortic stenting procedure using Medtronic grafts. The vascular access points were closed using Perclose closure devices, ensuring a smooth and efficient recovery.

The procedure was completed without complications, and the patient’s post-operative course was uneventful. This case stands as a textbook example of how subtle symptoms, if not ignored, can lead to life-saving interventions.It also emphasizes the value of timely diagnosis, collaborative care, and advanced endovascular techniques in managing complex vascular threats with precision and success.

Case Summery

  • Patient: 70-year-old female with diabetes, hypertension, coronary and renal interventions

  • Challenge: Subtle symptoms masking a large aortic aneurysm

  • Diagnosis: 57 mm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with mural thrombus

  • Treatment:

    • Initial stabilization with nephrologist support

    • Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) for mapping

    • Endovascular abdominal aortic stenting with Medtronic grafts

    • Perclose closure devices for vascular access

  • Outcome: Smooth recovery, successful aneurysm exclusion, no complications

This case reinforces the importance of a high index of suspicion, interdisciplinary coordination, and precision-guided endovascular treatment in improving patient outcomes—especially in high-risk, elderly individuals.