title: Pseudoaneurysm of a branch of left internal mammary artery: a late and potentially fatal complication after redo-sternotomy.
abstract: Post-sternotomy pseudoaneurysms of the internal mammary arteries (IMAs) and their branches are rare and often present with rupture-associated haemothorax and haemodynamic instability. In those cases, urgent surgical correction or embolization can be the treatment of choice. Traumatic chest injuries might lead to IMA branch injury as well; after cardiac surgery, injuries to these branches during sternal closure can be an extremely rare cause of pseudoaneurysm. We describe the case of a 78-year old lady with a left IMA branch pseudoaneurysm, arising from left sternal edge a few weeks after redo-sternotomy for mitral valve surgery. We also describe its non-surgical successful repair.
authors: Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK ffalconieri@hotmail.com f.falconieri@rbht.nhs.uk.
authors: Fabio
authors: F
authors: Falconieri
authors: Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors: Evgeny
authors: E
authors: Raevsky
authors: Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Davies
authors: Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors: Neil
authors: N
authors: Moat
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008323:Mammary Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D012086:Reoperation; D056346:Sternotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D057772:Vascular System Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Embolization; Mammary artery; Pseudoaneurysm; Redo-sternotomy