Transesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis of a mycotic ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm as a source of embolism

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta may develop after aortic injury from trauma or surgery. We report a case of dehiscence of an aortic graft leadin g to ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm that was diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiography. In addition, the transesophageal echocardiogram identifie d the pseudoaneurysm as the likely cause of a saddle embolus to the iliac b ifurcation of the aorta. This case is also unique in that the patient's pse udoaneurysm was infected with fungus.