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Massive Sternal Osteophyte Compressing Aortic Arch Branch Graft

Hesham Ellauzi1,2, Jonathan Cardella3, Mohammad A Zafar1

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiac Surgery, Aortic Institute, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, Connecticut.

Aorta (Stamford, Conn.)
|December 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A large bone spur on the sternum compressed a brachiocephalic graft years after aortic arch surgery. This computed tomography scan highlights the rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Radiology
  • Surgical Complications

Background:

  • Aortic arch replacement is a complex procedure with potential long-term complications.
  • Sternal osteophytes, bony growths on the sternum, can develop over time.
  • Vascular graft compression is an uncommon but serious sequela.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a rare case of brachiocephalic graft compression.
  • To illustrate the utility of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing this complication.
  • To highlight a delayed complication following aortic arch surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of a single patient case.
  • Analysis of computed tomography (CT) imaging.
  • Correlation of imaging findings with surgical history.

Main Results:

  • Computed tomography (CT) revealed a massive sternal osteophyte.
  • The osteophyte was causing significant compression of the brachiocephalic graft.
  • The patient had a history of aortic arch replacement surgery years prior.

Conclusions:

  • Massive sternal osteophytes can cause delayed compression of brachiocephalic grafts.
  • Computed tomography (CT) is crucial for identifying such rare vascular complications.
  • Awareness of this potential complication is important for long-term patient follow-up after aortic arch surgery.

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