Lumbar false aneurysms following image-guided interventive procedures for spondylodiskitic abscesses

Pseudoaneurysms of the lumbar arteries are infrequent, and are most often found incidentally after trauma to the lumbar spine. More rarely, they are an iatrogenic complication from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, particularly of the kidney. Their rupture can cause rapid clinical deterioration by retroperitoneal hemorrhage, and therefore their diagnosis and treatment must be rapid. We report two cases of lumbar artery false aneurysms arising as a complication during the treatment of infectious disciitis. The diagnoses were established via CT and immediately followed by expeditious treatment by selective arterial embolization. (orig.)