Septic pseudo-aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta. Value of covering omentum repair.

The incidence of post-sternotomy mediastinitis is 1 to 5% but the mortality is about 40%. The formation of a pseudo-aneurysm is a rare complication an d an infectious origin is exceptionally rare. Diagnosis must be early becau se of the risk of rupture. In this case, a 47 year old patient developed slowly progressive medistinit is presenting with a pseudo-aneurysm of the aorta. Surgery comprised a retr osternal transposition of the greater omentum.