• D Palombo, G Lucertini, A Robaldo, B Pane, and G Spinella.
• Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University Hospital San Martino, University of Genoa, largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa, Italy.
• Int Angiol. 2012 Feb 1; 31 (1): 54-61.

AimThis is a retrospective study of a single center experience in the endovascular treatment of penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU).MethodsSixteen consecutive patients aged 69.1±9.6 years presenting PAU (in the aortic arch in 2, the descending thoracic aorta in 11, and in the abdominal aorta in 3) undergone therapy. Nine patients presented symptomatic, while 7 were asymptomatic. All patients underwent computer tomography angiography (CTA) of the thoracic and the abdominal aorta. Endovascular therapy alone was carried out in 12 patients, while 4 received hybrid therapy.ResultsOne patient died of multiorgan failure after hybrid procedure. Complications consisted of type II endoleak from lumbar arteries in 1 case of endovascular procedure, and acute respiratory insufficiency in 1 patient treated by endovascular technique on the emergency basis for aortic rupture.ConclusionPAU involves more frequently the descending thoracic aorta. Endovascular treatment (alone or in hybrid therapy) can give good results in patients with severe concomitant diseases. Prognosis of these patients is not favourable in most cases (48-month survival rate 47.9%) due to severe concomitant diseases.

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