An Autopsy Case of Saphenous Vein Graft Rupture

Abstract

Saphenous vein graft aneurysms are rare complications after coronary artery bypass grafting that carry serious complications. Less than 10 case reports of autopsy findings consistent with ruptured saphenous vein grafts exist in the literature. We report a case of a female presenting at autopsy who, after coronary artery bypass grafting 20 years prior, demonstrated findings of a saphenous vein graft aneurysm and rupture. With limited evidence from medical records, this case highlights a need for patients with previous coronary artery bypass grafting to be properly monitored to detect minute graft changes before aneurysm formation and rupture as seen in our decedent.