A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Dilemma: An Unusual Complication of a Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Abstract  We report a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge involving an unusual coronary artery bypass complication. This is the first report of extensive systemic-pulmonary shunts involving the left internal mammary artery, lateral thoracic and intercostal arteries following coronary artery bypass surgery. Although internal mammary to pulmonary arterial fistula are uncommon complications of coronary artery bypass surgery, clinicians should keep this in mind in managing patients with unexplained exertional dypsnea, especially with prior history of intrathoracic inflammation, mediastinitis, and disruption of the pleura. We also discuss various therapeutic approaches including surgical and percutaneous interventions.