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A large saphenous vein graft aneurysm presenting as a right atrial mass: a case report

Shemy Carasso1, Leonid Sternik, Rafael Kuperstein

  • 1The Heart Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel. carassos@netvision.net.il

Echocardiography (Mount Kisco, N.Y.)
|July 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Saphenous vein graft (SVG) aneurysms are rare but fatal after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This case highlights a large SVG aneurysm compressing the right atrium, mimicking an intracardiac mass.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Imaging
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common surgical procedure.
  • Saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) are frequently used conduits in CABG.
  • SVG aneurysms are rare but life-threatening complications.

Observation:

  • A large SVG aneurysm (7 x 6 cm) was identified.
  • The aneurysm was compressing the patient's right atrium.
  • Echocardiography revealed an apparent right intra-atrial mass.

Findings:

  • The SVG aneurysm presented as an extrinsic lesion causing cardiac compression.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms of chest pain, dyspnea, and desaturation.
  • Echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing intracardiac masses, including extrinsic ones.

Implications:

  • SVG aneurysms must be considered in the differential diagnosis of post-CABG patients with cardiac symptoms.
  • Early diagnosis and management are critical due to the potential for fatal complications.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering extrinsic causes for intracardiac masses.

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