Pseudoaneurysm of a branch of left internal mammary artery: a late and potentially fatal complication after redo-sternotomy

Abstract

Post-sternotomy pseudoaneurysms of the internal mammary arteries (IMAs) and their branches are rare and often present with rupture-associated haemothorax and haemodynamic instability. In those cases, urgent surgical correction or embolization can be the treatment of choice. Traumatic chest injuries might lead to IMA branch injury as well; after cardiac surgery, injuries to these branches during sternal closure can be an extremely rare cause of pseudoaneurysm. We describe the case of a 78-year old lady with a left IMA branch pseudoaneurysm, arising from left sternal edge a few weeks after redo-sternotomy for mitral valve surgery. We also describe its non-surgical successful repair.