Aortic rupture after spinal correction for scoliosis in the presence of a thoracic stent graft

Corrective surgery for scoliosis often results in a lengthening of the spinal column and relative change of the position of the adjacent anatomical structures such as the aorta. The extent of these anatomical changes could be affected by the presence of a rigid aortic stent graft in the descending thoracic aorta. We present a case of aortic rupture after spinal correction for scoliosis in a 56-year-old female with a thoracic aortic stent graft. Extensive elongation of the aorta with concentration of the stress forces at the lower margin of the stent graft resulted in a weakening of the aortic wall and subsequent rupture.