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Gangrene of the Foot After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Julia L Boland1,2, Kristine Cueva2, Jessica Pawly2
1Department of Internal Medicine, George Washington University Hospital, Washington DC, USA.
Insights
A rare complication of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use led to dry gangrene and amputation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this serious post-operative outcome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a common cardiothoracic procedure.
- Intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may be used perioperatively to support cardiac function.
- Potential CABG risks include neurological issues, thrombosis, organ injury, and mortality.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old man with myocardial infarction required IABP support before CABG.
- Eighteen days post-CABG, the patient developed dry gangrene of the toes.
- CT angiogram revealed severe atherosclerosis and occlusive lesions in lower limb arteries.
Findings:
- The patient underwent balloon angioplasty and transmetatarsal amputation for dry gangrene.
- Aortic atherosclerosis and infrapopliteal occlusive disease were identified as contributing factors.
- This case highlights a rare complication associated with CABG and peri-operative IABP.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of recognizing and promptly treating dry gangrene following CABG with IABP.
- Suggests a need for thorough vascular assessment in patients with post-operative ischemic complications.
- Underscores the multifaceted risks associated with complex cardiac surgeries and interventions.
Abstract:
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common surgery performed by cardiothoracic surgeons worldwide. Risks of CABG include neurological outcomes, deep vein thrombosis, renal or gastrointestinal injury, and death. Perioperatively, some patients may need intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use to help assist with cardiac function. In this case, a 75-year-old man presented with multivessel myocardial infarction requiring IABP for cardiac assistance prior to undergoing CABG. Eighteen days after his CABG, his toes turned black at home. A CT angiogram showed aortic atherosclerosis, right tibioperoneal trunk stenosis, mild atherosclerotic right proximal anterior tibial artery stenosis, and multifocal occlusive lesions in the right and left infrapopliteal vessels. Vascular surgery performed balloon angioplasty of the right anterior tibial artery and podiatry performed a transmetatarsal amputation of the dry gangrene. The aim of this case report is to present a rare complication of CABG with peri-operative IABP use and to highlight the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of dry gangrene.
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