Abstract
Infection of a vascular patch is an uncommon complication of carotid endarterectomy.
Case report and review of the pertinent English-language literature.
A 71 year-old woman with a carotid patch infection presented with a superficial wound nodule and no false aneurysm. Diagnosis thus was delayed but was confirmed eventually with magnetic resonance imaging. Excision and saphenous vein bypass was successful.
The rare complication of infection of a polyester vascular patch is described with recommendations for early diagnosis and definitive therapy.