Acute Thrombosis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm During Cardiac Surgery

Aortic thrombosis has been described in the medical literature as a rare and catastrophic complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, it has only been reported once in cardiac surgical settings. We report a unique case of thrombosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysms during the course of cardiac surgery, in a fully anticoagulated patient on cardiopulmonary bypass. Prompt diagnosis and immediate surgical management were critical for a successful outcome. (Ann Thorac Surg 2009;88:1670-1) (C) 2009 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons