Idiopathic pseudoaneurysm in a patient with breast implants

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Radiology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the internal mammary artery (IMA) are uncommon, with iatrogenic origins suspected in some cases.
• Delayed complications following breast implant surgery are infrequently reported but can involve vascular structures.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old woman presented with hematoma and bleeding secondary to a pseudoaneurysm.
• The pseudoaneurysm was likely associated with a branch of the right IMA, identified 16 years after undergoing breast implant surgery.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention included resection of the pseudoaneurysm and ligation of the affected arterial branch.
• The patient experienced no immediate postoperative complications, suggesting successful management.

Implications:

• Pseudoaneurysms in small vessels like the IMA are not extensively documented, necessitating careful diagnostic approaches.
• Accurate imaging is crucial for tailoring treatment, as conservative management may be an option for select cases.