Abstract
BackgroundGranulomatous inflammation results from various causes including infections and allergic reactions. It can appear as high signal intensity in T2-weighted or contrast-enhanced T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Here, we describe a case of granulomatous inflammation looking like a hematoma on an ascending aortic graft in MRI.Case presentationA 75-year-old female was undergoing assessment for chest pain. She had a history of hemi-arch replacement for aortic dissection 10 years earlier. The initial chest computed tomography and subsequent chest MRI were suggestive of a hematoma, implying a pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta, which is associated with high mortality in reoperation. Through redo median sternotomy, severe adhesion was found in the retrosternal space. A sac in the pericardial space contained yellowish and pus-like material, confirming that there was no hematoma around the ascending aortic graft. The pathologic finding was chronic necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Microbiological tests including polymerase chain reaction analysis were negative.ConclusionOur experience indicates that an MRI finding of a hematoma at the site long after cardiovascular surgery suggests that there may be granulomatous inflammation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
