Heart, Lung and Circulation
Volume 18, Issue 1 , Pages 52-54, February 2009

Giant Saphenous Vein Graft Pseudoaneurysm Rupture Presenting with Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiovascular Investigation Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia

Received 24 August 2007; received in revised form 14 October 2007; accepted 17 October 2007.

Saphenous vein graft aneurysms are a rare but potentially fatal complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, with a wide variation in clinical presentations ranging from recurrent atypical chest pain to sudden cardiac death. Although uncommon, the diagnosis should be considered in all patients presenting with a hilar or mediastinal mass following CABG, as timely treatment may avert potentially fatal aneurysm rupture and death. We report a rare case of a giant vein graft pseudoaneurysm rupture causing cardiac tamponade.

Keywords: Pseudoaneurysm, Aneurysm, Saphenous vein grafts, Coronary artery bypass graft

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PII: S1443-9506(07)00905-5

doi:10.1016/j.hlc.2007.10.002

Heart, Lung and Circulation
Volume 18, Issue 1 , Pages 52-54, February 2009