Intramural left atrial hematoma after aortocoronary artery surgery

We report the occurrence of an intraoperative left atrial hematoma during coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Echocardiography proved to be of great help in diagnosis and monitoring of this patient. After severe hemodynamic impairment the patient recovered and could be transferred on postoperative day eight. Follow-up examination showed no signs of atrial pathologies. Differential diagnosis and echocardiographic findings are discussed. IMPLICATIONS: The authors report the utility of transesophageal echocardiography for diagnosis and management of an intramural left atrial hematoma during coronary artery surgery.