A Case of Breast Cancer Detected Incidentally by Coronary CT after Emergent Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass

Abstract

The patient was a 60-year-old woman with acute coronary syndrome and acute heart failure. Coronary angiography revealed 3-vessel disease, including a left main trunk lesion. Intra-aortic balloon pump support was instituted and the patient was referred to us. Emergent off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) was successfully performed. Postoperative coronary CT revealed patency of all the grafts, but also findings suggestive of left breast cancer. Two months later, partial mastectomy was performed. After radiation and chemotherapy, the patient is currently in good conditon as seen at the 42-month follow-up examination, with no recurrence of breast cancer or angina pectoris. Even in emergent or urgent cases, OPCAB may be beneficial to prevent extracorporeal circulation, which is considered to impair the immune system and increase the risk of malignancy.