Severe non-valve-related hemolytic anemia following aortic root replacement

Abstract

Aortic interposition grafting combined with aortic root replacement (conduit) is widely performed to manage thoracic aortic aneurysms. Intravascular hemolysis without clinical significance is occasionally observed as a complication after prosthetic valve replacement. Symptomatic lysis of red blood cells (RBCs) is rare and primarily attributed to mechanical damage as result of high shear stress, turbulent flow, and physical interaction. We report a case of severe hemolytic anemia shortly after mechanical conduit implantation. The RBC damage was not related to the valve prosthesis and resolved completely after replacement of a section of the kinked Dacron tube graft to correct a fold. © 2010 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.