Infected Anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm after Aortic Valve Replacement with Annular Enlargement

Abstract

<jats:p>Anastomotic pseudoaneurysm remains one of the main life-threatening complications of cardiac and thoracic aorta surgery. We report a rare case of infected pseudoaneurysm at the anastomotic line found during follow-up. Blood culture results suggested Enterococcus faecium infection. Transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography scans revealed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta. The pseudoaneurysm was resected and the ascending aorta was reconstructed with an artificial vascular patch without complications. Reducing the anastomotic tension, with complete hemostasis at the anastomotic incision, is the most important means of preventing the formation of pseudoaneurysm.</jats:p>