Delayed development of a coronary artery pseudoaneurysm after angioplasty

Abstract

One month after a successful angioplasty, one of our patients developed a new aneurysm in the right coronary artery (RCA). The aneurysm was characterized as a pseudoaneurysm by the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). A stenosis that was not well seen by angiography was better depicted by IVUS. Both the pseudoaneurysm and the stenosis were successfully treated with a second angioplasty and stenting with a covered stent. Delayed development of pseudoaneurysms after dissection is an uncommon, but possible complication after angioplasty. In this case IVUS was useful for accurate characterization of the aneurysm. The use of covered stents may become a clinically useful method for treating coronary pseudoaneurysms.