Giant Patent Ductus Arteriosus Aneurysm Compressing the Esophagus

Abstract

It is extremely rare to observe aneurysmal changes in patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), especially in adults. If left untreated, a PDA aneurysm can increase the risk of life-threatening complications, including rupture, dissection, esophageal fistula, and infection. Following is a description of successful surgical repair in a 55-year-old man with PDA aneurysm compressing the esophagus. Histologically, the aneurysmal wall showed mild thickening of the intima and media with hyperplastic smooth muscle cells, but no destructive changes were observed.