[Perigraft Seroma after Ascending Aorta Replacement with Symptom of Chest Oppression:Report of a Case].

Abstract

A 75-year-old man underwent redo sternotomy for the management of a perigraft seroma four years after ascending aorta replacement. Three months postoperatively, a subcutaneous effusion at the median sternotomy site necessitated serous fluid drainage. The patient exhibited no significant inflammatory changes. He was referred to our hospital for evaluation of chest oppression. Follow-up computed tomography (CT) revealed a low-density fluid collection surrounding the prosthetic graft. Surgical intervention was performed to evacuate the fluid, with no evidence of active bleeding. The prosthetic graft was subsequently covered with fibrin glue to mitigate serum leakage and reinforced with a bovine xenopericardial sheet. To facilitate effusion drainage, the adjacent right pleura was widely opened. The postoperative course was uneventful. Bacterial culture, laboratory analysis, and histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of perigraft seroma. No recurrence or symptoms were observed during the two-year follow-up period.