Covered Perforated Aortocoronary Saphenous Vein Graft Aneurysm

We report a case of a 75-year-old man suffering from a covered perforated aneurysm of a saphenous bypass graft to the right coronary artery (RCA) constructed 22 years ago. Additional complete revascularization had been performed in 2001. A thoracic computed tomography scan for evaluation of fever of unknown origin had revealed a huge hematoma in front of the right heart. Coronary angiography showed open bypasses but an irregular-shaped aneurysm of the venous graft to the RCA right before the distal anastomosis. Occurrence of a new right-sided pleural effusion led to the emergent operation since rupture of the aneurysm and drainage into the pleura was likely. A massive precordial hematoma was found and the existence of the perforated aneurysm could be confirmed. After institution of cardiopulmonary bypass the graft was resected. Since the patient had a functioning bypass to the RIVP, there was no need for additional revascularization. The patient underwent an uneventful postoperative course. (J Card Surg 2009;24:91-93).