Case report: asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm of the native coronary soon after the graft anastomosis treated with off-pump repair

Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) of native coronary arteries are rare but potentially lethal complications occurring after coronary artery graft anastomosis mainly secondary to median sternotomy.

A 61-year-old man underwent coronary artery bypass grafting because of stable angina. After the surgery, the patient was asymptomatic. A routine pre-discharge transthoracic echocardiogram was performed showing a haematoma of the apex partially involving the right ventricle with systolic colour Doppler flow going from the left ventricle to the pericardium. A coronary computed tomography scan was ordered and it revealed the presence of a PSA of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery distal to the graft anastomosis with the left internal mammary artery. An off-pump direct suture of the LAD injury through a redo sternotomy was successfully performed.

The development of a PSA of a native coronary artery after bypass grafting is a very rare and potentially fatal condition. A correct and prompt diagnosis is crucial to avoid lethal complication.