Pseudoaneurysm of the Ascending Aorta Combined with Aortic Valve Infective Endocarditis following Cardiac Operations

Abstract

Aortic pseudoaneurysms are rare but life-threatening complications of aortic procedures. Operation on the femorofemoral bypass with hypothermic circulatory arrest has been the method of choice. Iatrogenic ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm combined with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve has never been reported. We describe a case of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta at the site of an aortotomy site concomitant with infective endocarditis of the aortic valve. A contrast computed tomographic scan was the investigation technology of choice. The operation was performed on femorofemoral bypass without hypothermic circulatory arrest, which provided safe re-entry and an opportunity to replace the infected aortic valve with a mechanical prosthesis and to repair the aortic defect with a patch. The ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm can be safely operated on with femorofemoral bypass without hypothermic cardiac arrest.