Coil embolization for ruptured coronary pseudoaneurysm causing haemopericardium: a case report

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Coronary artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare but life-threatening condition, potentially leading to haemopericardium.
• It often arises as a complication of coronary artery procedures or trauma.

Observation:

• A 15-year-old male with a history of spontaneous pneumothoraces and prior thoracic surgery presented with pericarditis and haemopericardium.
• The patient developed cardiogenic shock, necessitating emergent pericardiocentesis.

Findings:

• Coronary angiography identified a small pseudoaneurysm in the right coronary artery.
• Successful treatment was achieved through endovascular coil embolization of the pseudoaneurysm.

Implications:

• This case illustrates a rare instance of a ruptured coronary artery pseudoaneurysm linked to prior tube thoracostomy.
• Treatment strategies for coronary pseudoaneurysms must be individualized based on their specific pathological and anatomical features.