The diagnosis and management of aortic dissection occurring years after open heart surgery

Aortic dissection occurring after open heart surgery is an uncommon but well recognized complication. Unfortunately, it is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Pre-existing aortic wall pathology, intraoperative aortic manipulations and hypertension are known to predispose to the development of this condition. We report a case of aortic dissection occurring 2 years after coronary artery bypass surgery and complicated by acute saphenous vein graft occlusion and severe mitral insufficiency. We review the diagnosis and management of this complication.