ABSTRACT
Background: Infection of a vascular patch is an uncommon complication of carotid endarterectomy.
Methods: Case report and review of the pertinent English-language literature.
Case Report: A 71 year-old woman with a carotid patch infection presented with a superficial wound nodule and no false aneurysm. Diagnosis thus was delayed but was confirmed eventually with magnetic resonance imaging. Excision and saphenous vein bypass was successful.
Conclusion: The rare complication of infection of a polyester vascular patch is described with recommendations for early diagnosis and definitive therapy.
