Pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery after flexion-distraction injury of the thoraco-lumbar spine and surgical realignment: rupture treated by endovascular embolization.

STUDY DESIGN: A unique case of pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery after injury of the thoracolumbar spine was presented.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the exceptional occurrence of pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery after flexion-distraction fracture of thoracolumbar junction and to discuss the mechanism of formation and the therapeutic solution.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Injury of a lumbar artery represents a potential cause of massive, life-threatening, retroperitoneal bleeding. It may be associated with lesions of the abdomen, lower limbs, pelvic bones, and spinal column. Fracture of a transverse process may be responsible for direct laceration of a lumbar artery, but formation of a pseudo-aneurysm is an uncommon event. The diagnosis is difficult and often delayed. The treatment of choice is endovascular embolization.

METHODS: In a patient who had a posttraumatic severe thoracolumbar vertebral dislocation with complete spinal cord lesion after road accident, we performed surgical reduction and stabilization via posterior approach. After 7 days, he developed a progressive anemia due to retroperitoneal hemorrhage and formation of a pseudo-aneurysm of the lumbar artery at L1 level.

RESULTS: Endovascular embolization achieved resolution of the pseudo-aneurysm, regression of the hematoma and progressive recovery of the patient during a period of 6 months.

CONCLUSION: Pseudo-aneurysm of a lumbar artery has never previously been described in association with flexion-distraction type vertebral fracture, in which the spinal column is subjected to greater, shear-type, forces. Stretching of the arterial wall due to the traumatic dislocation of the spine and subsequent surgical realignment may be considered as the mechanism of formation and rupture of the pseudo-aneurysm. Dangerous bleeding in the retroperitoneal space and in the operative field can be effectively managed by endovascular intervention.