Non-mycotic pseudoaneurysm in the ascending aorta following cardiac surgery

Cannulation of the ascending aorta is the recognized method to achieve arterial return during cardiopulmonary bypass. Mediastinal infection after cardiac surgery can cause disruption at the point of insertion, and give rise to a pseudoaneurysm in the ascending aorta. Although rare, a pseudoaneurysm can occur without clear evidence of infection. Here we report two cases that received aortic valve replacement and that developed ascending aortic aneurysms after surgery. Based on our clinical findings, these aneurysms were related to the arterial cannulation into the aorta and not to any infection.