Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using internal mammary artery is a frequently performed procedure for the treatment of coronary artery disease nowadays. Ipsilateral breast necrosis is a rare and seldom reported complication that may mimic breast cancer on presentation. However, contralateral breast necrosis has not been reported to date. We are reporting the first case of bilateral breast necrosis after CABG using the left internal mammary artery. We discuss the different underlying mechanisms and possible co-factors behind the development of this rare complication, and we also share a successful management approach to conserve the breast and improve the patient's outcome.
Keywords: IMA; breast mass; breast necrosis; breast vascular anatomy; calciphylaxis; complications of CABG; coronary artery bypass graft; internal mammary artery.
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