Reoperation for pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta after cardiovascular surgery

Purpose: Pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta after cardiovascular surgery are rare, but life-threatening complications. We herein describe the clinical outcomes of pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta arising after cardiovascular surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients (mean age 64 years) who underwent reoperation for a pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta between January 1997 and December 2010. Results: Pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic aorta were detected incidentally during routine follow-up in 11 asymptomatic patients, whereas symptoms or signs indicating an aortic pseudoaneurysm were present in three patients. The mean intervals between repeat and previous cardiovascular surgeries and the follow-up were 167 and 62 months, respectively. The aortic pseudoaneurysms were located in the proximal and distal suture lines in six patients, and at aortotomy sites in four. These locations accounted for about 70 % of all aortic pseudoaneurysms. None of the patients died in the hospital. Postoperative complications, such as a need for permanent pacemaker implantation or groin-related issues, occurred in five patients. However, no major postoperative complications, aorta-related events or a need for reoperation developed during the follow-up period. Conclusions: Regular follow-up, including imaging modalities and physical examinations, is mandatory to detect aortic pseudoaneurysms after cardiovascular surgery.