title: Reconstruction of the right atrium using an extracellular matrix patch in a patient with severe mediastinal aspergillosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report a case of reconstruction of the right atrial wall using a novel bioresorbable patch derived from porcine small intestinal submucosa.
  
  
  METHODS
  Our patient presented with mediastinal aspergillosis as a result of chronic steroid therapy for an oligodendroglioma. Hemodynamic compromise and syncopal episodes secondary to the mass effect of the aspergilloma prolapsing through tricuspid valve necessitated palliative surgical excision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intraoperatively, it was conﬁrmed that the lesion had eroded into the right atrium and partially occluded right ventricular inﬂow. In order to achieve appropriate palliation a wide resection of the atrial wall was necessary. The atrial reconstruction was then performed using an extracellular matrix-derived biopatch. This case was further complicated by postoperative bleeding requiring re-operation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We describe the methods used for repair using a novel patch in this rare case of invasive aspergillosis extending into the right atrium and resulting in compromise of diastolic right ventricular ﬁlling.
authors: Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States. Electronic address: mcwyler@mcw.edu.
authors: Moritz
authors: M
authors: Wyler von Ballmoos
authors: Ghulam
authors: G
authors: Murtaza
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Gasparri
authors: Saqib
authors: S
authors: Masroor
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