Paraplegia and paresis are associated with similar prognosis. An underlying spinal cord lesion predisposes to spinal cord ischemia. Recovery may occur for up to 6 months. The aberrant artery arises most commonly from the proximal descending aorta. Aneurysm is associated with dyspnea, dysphagia, upper extremity ischemia or occasionally rupture.
Repair is recommended only if aneurysm occurs.
The aberrant artery may cause dysphagia even in the abscence of an aneurysm. Upper extremity varicosities. Direct intra operative duodenal injury is the most important factor predisposing to fistula formation. Computed tomography with contrast is a valuable diagnostic aid for aortoenteric fistulae. Absence of fistula on endoscopy reliably rules- out aortoenteric fistulae.