Embolism of heart tissue to the middle cerebral artery as a complication of heart surgery.
After suture closure of an intraarterial septal defect an atrioventricular block occurred in a 6 years old child. Therefore, the suture was removed and the defect closed by a Dacron patch. The sinus rhythm returned. After the operation convulsions occurred, the patient died after 16h which was considered to be due to cerebral air embolism. Autopsy confirmed a correct operation, but the right middle cerebral artery has been found to be completely occluded by heart muscle and pericardial fat tissue.
D001344:Autopsy; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002536:Cerebral Arteries / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D006344:Heart Septal Defects, Atrial / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D002542:Intracranial Embolism and Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male