Aortic pseudoaneurysm detected on external jugular venous distention following a Bentall procedure 10 years previously

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2010 Nov;11(5):673-4. doi: 10.1510/icvts.2010.244574. Epub 2010 Aug 19.

Abstract

An asymptomatic 49-year-old woman was admitted for the purpose of surgery for aortic pseudoaneurysm. She had Marfan syndrome and had undergone an emergent Bentall procedure 10 years previously. About six months previously, she could palpate distended bilateral external jugular veins, which became distended only in a supine position and without any other symptoms. Enhanced computed tomography revealed an aortic pseudoaneurysm originating from a previous distal anastomosis site. During induction of general anesthesia in a supine position, bilateral external jugular venous distention was remarkable. Immediately after a successful operation, distention completely resolved. The present case emphasizes the importance of physical examination leading to a diagnosis of asymptomatic life-threatening diseases in patients with a history of previous aortic surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery
  • Aortic Aneurysm / etiology
  • Aortic Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Aortic Dissection / etiology
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / etiology
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / surgery*
  • Aortography / methods
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins / pathology*
  • Marfan Syndrome / complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Palpation
  • Reoperation
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / etiology
  • Supine Position
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome