Surgical treatment of infected aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta

Analysis of antibiotic strategies to prevent vascular graft or endograft infection after surgical treatment for infective native aortic aneurysms: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Some patients with an infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA) develop an aortic vascular graft or endograft infection (VGEI) even after successful open surgical repair or endovascular intervention. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis performed herein was to compare the clinical outcomes of different surgical and antibiotic treatment strategies.

METHODS

We systematically searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science. The keywords used for the search were "mycotic aortic aneurysm", "infected aortic aneurysm", "infective native aortic aneurysm", "antibiotics", "surgery", and "endovascular". The search was limited to articles written in English and to studies involving humans. Articles published before 2000 were excluded. Case reports and review articles were excluded.

RESULTS

Of the 524 studies retrieved from our search of the databases, 47 articles were included in this study. Among the 47 articles (1546 patients, 72.8% of whom were male) retrieved, five articles were excluded from the subgroup analysis because the data concerning open surgical repair and endovascular intervention could not be separated. The remaining 42 articles included a total of 1179 patients who underwent open surgical repair (622 patients) or endovascular intervention (557 patients) for INAA. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001) in the pooled in-hospital mortality rate between the open surgical repair group (13.2%, 82/622) and the endovascular intervention group (7.2%, 40/557). However, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the aortic VGEI rate between the open surgical repair group (5.4%). 29/540) and endovascular intervention (13.3%, 69/517) group. For patients who underwent open surgical repair, a lower rate of aortic vascular graft infection was associated with long-term antibiotic use (p = 0.005). For patients who underwent endovascular intervention, there was a trend of association (p = 0.071) between the lower rate of aortic endograft infection and lifelong antibiotic use.

CONCLUSION

Infective native aortic aneurysms are life-threatening. The pooled in-hospital mortality rate of the open surgical repair group was significantly higher than that of the endovascular intervention group, whereas the rate of the aortic VGEI in the open surgical repair group was significantly lower than that in the endovascular intervention group. Regardless of whether open surgical repair or endovascular intervention is performed, better long-term outcomes can be achieved with aggressive antibiotic treatment, which is especially important for patients who undergo endovascular intervention.

Infective native arterial aneurysms and inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms: An overview with a focus on emergency settings

Infective native arterial aneurysms and inflammatory aortic aneurysms are rare but morbid pathologies seen by vascular surgeons in the emergency setting. Presentation is not always clear, and a full workup must be obtained before adopting a management strategy. Treatment is multidisciplinary and is tailored to every case based on workup findings. Imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance, or with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography aids in diagnosis and in monitoring response to treatment. Open surgery is traditionally performed for definitive management. Endovascular surgery may offer an alternative treatment in select cases with acceptable outcomes. Neither technique has been proven to be superior to the other. Physicians should consider patient's anatomy, comorbidities, life expectancy, and goals of care before selecting an approach. Long-term pharmacological treatment, with antibiotics in case of infective aneurysms and immunosuppressants in case of inflammatory aneurysms, is usually required and should be managed in collaboration with infectious disease specialists and rheumatologists.

Complex Endovascular Repair of Paravisceral Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To report the early and mid-term outcome of complex endovascular repair (EVAR) for paravisceral infective native aortic aneurysms (INAA).

METHODS

Interrogation of a prospectively maintained database identified consecutive patients who underwent non-elective complex EVAR for paravisceral INAAs in a single institution between December 2013 and June 2020. All patients were considered to have definite INAAs based on diagnostic criteria. Patients who had prior aortic repair were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients (19 men; mean age 67 years [SD = 11.4]; median diameter 60 mm [IQR: 55-73]) with acute symptomatic (n = 24) or contained ruptured (n = 2) aneurysms underwent surgeon-modified fenestrated EVAR (SM-FEVAR; n = 24) or chimney-periscope EVAR (CHIMPS; n = 2). Median observed follow-up was 36.2 months (18.3-53.5). Nine patients had positive venous blood cultures and a further seven had recent or concomitant infection. All patients received pre- and post-operative antibiotic therapy and rifampicin-soaked endografts. A total of 95 vessels were targeted for preservation and 86 were stent-grafted. One vessel occluded intra-operatively and a further 3 occluded within 30 days. The 30-day/in-hospital mortality was 11.5% (n = 3), and the estimated 1- and 3-year survival (±SD) was 85% ± 7%. Infection-related complications (IRCs) occurred in two patients: both developed new INAA within 30 days of index repair and were treated by EVAR with no mortality. Estimated 3-year freedom from late re-intervention was 100%. One patient required infrarenal EVAR for a non-infective aneurysm at 43 months.

CONCLUSION

Complex EVAR for paravisceral INAAs is associated with acceptable early and mid-term outcomes and is an acceptable alternative to open surgery. We propose that these patients are managed with long-term antimicrobials, impregnation of graft material with rifampicin, and rigorous post-operative surveillance.

CLINICAL IMPACT

A multi-disciplinary approach is required to deliver the best possible outcome for patients with this challenging aortic pathology.

Emphysematous changes as red flag signs preceding rapidly progressive infectious aortic disease: two case reports

BACKGROUND

Infectious aortic disease is a rare and fatal disease, that requires the appropriate intervention. An accurate diagnosis should be promptly established. However, this is difficult because the clinical manifestations of this disease vary and are non-specific.

CASE PRESENTATION

(CASE 1) An 87-year-old male, presenting with generalized malaise and weight loss, was admitted for further examination. A chest computed tomography (CT) showed mediastinal emphysema. Empirical intravenous antibiotics were administered to address the non-specific infectious findings in the laboratory data. The treatment was effective, and the patient fully recovered. However, he was in shock due to aortic rupture and marked pseudo aneurysmal formation around the aortic arch day 25 of hospitalization. An emergency total aortic arch replacement was performed, and the patient was discharged. (CASE 2) An 82-year-old male who had undergone Y-graft replacement in the abdominal aorta 15 years previously was admitted due to general malaise and anorexia. Abdominal CT revealed emphysematous changes adjacent to the abdominal aorta. The patient responded favorably to empirical treatment with intravenous antibiotics and was discharged 19 days after admission. Four days after discharge, the patient went into cardiac arrest after an episode of hematemesis. Abdominal CT revealed an enlarged stomach and duodenum, filled with massive high-density contents proximal to the abdominal aorta. He died of hemorrhagic shock despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Although emphysematous changes are rare, they are red flag signs during the early stage of infectious aortic disease. Thus, physicians should remain vigilant for this kind of critical sign.

A review on the deeper understanding of inflammation and infection of the thoracic aorta

OBJECTIVE

To review the current literature regarding infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta and to summarise its aetiologies, pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Additionally, the authors sought to compare diagnostic methods and to analyse the different management options.

METHOD

A comprehensive electronic search using PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted to find relevant journal articles with key search terms including: 'aortitis', 'thoracic aortic infection' and 'surgical management of infected thoracic aortic aneurysms'. Prominent publications from 1995 till present (2021) were analysed to achieve a deeper understanding of thoracic aorta infection and inflammation, and the information was then collated to form this review.

RESULTS

The literature review revealed that infectious causes are more prominent than non-infectious causes, with Gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and Streptococcus accounting for approximately 60% of the infections. The authors also noted that Staphylococcus Aureus was associated with poorer outcomes. Key diagnostic tools include MRI and multi-slice CT imaging, which are useful imaging modalities in defining the extent of the disease thus allowing for planning surgical intervention. Surgical intervention itself is extremely multifaceted and the rarity of the condition means no large-scale comparative research between all the management options exists. Until more large-scale comparative data becomes available to guide treatment, the optimal approach must be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering the benefits and drawback of each treatment option.

CONCLUSION

A high index of suspicion and a comprehensive history is required to effectively diagnose and manage infection and inflammation of the thoracic aorta. Differentiating between infectious and inflammatory cases is crucial for management planning, as infectious causes typically require antibiotics and surgical intervention. Over the years, the post treatment results have shown significant improvement due to earlier diagnosis, advancement in surgical options and increasingly specific microbial therapy.

Isolated Mycotic Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysm Treated With a Combined Endovascular Stenting and Percutaneous Drainage Approach: A Case Report and Review of Current Literature

Background

Isolated mycotic internal iliac artery aneurysms are rare and management of these patients can be complex.

Case summary

We present a rare case of isolated mycotic right internal iliac artery aneurysm caused by Salmonella enteritides. This was managed in stages – with intravenous antibiotics, followed by endovascular stenting and embolization, and subsequent percutaneous drainage of the remnant collection. The patient had no perioperative complications, and has remained well at more than 18 months post-operatively with no evidence of stent infection.

Conclusion

A minimally-invasive approach combining endovascular aneurysm repair and percutaneous drainage is a viable option in the management of a mycotic internal iliac artery aneurysm.

Successful Surgical Treatment of an Infected Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm Accompanied with Leriche Syndrome

A 56-year-old man presenting with massive melena and loss of consciousness was diagnosed with an infected thoracoabdominal aneurysm, an aortoduodenal fistula, and Leriche syndrome following an evaluation by computed tomography. Emergency surgery for uncontrolled infection included the reconstruction of the superior mesenteric and bilateral renal arteries using a four-branched graft. The aortoduodenal fistula was resected after omental filling, and an enterostomy was performed for feeding. Intestinal reconstruction was performed in two stages. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 48 and was without evidence of recurrence at 23 months postoperatively.

Hybrid repair for a complex infection aortic pseudoaneurysm with continued antibiotic therapy: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of infection aortic pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a great challenge to surgeons for 3 reasons: high mortality for rupture or threatened rupture; potential risk for infection of prosthetic material which probably bring a devastating result for patients; and long-term antibiotic therapy requirement. Endovascular repair is an alternative to open surgery for a less invasive, which is a trouble procedure for aortic PSA with complex aortic anatomy. The purpose of this article is to report the novel hybrid repair of an infection aortic PSA and antibiotics therapy.

CLINICAL FINDING

A 61-year-old man with complaints of repeated abdominal pain and fever for 3 months was admitted. He had a fever of 39.0°C and normal blood pressure. The blood leukocyte count was 14.9 × 10/L, C-reactive protein was 132 mg/L. There was no evidence for urinary tract infection. The small effusion was identified in bilateral thoracic cavity and pelvis cavity, and the severe lung function impairment was detected. Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified in blood cultures. Computer tomographic (CT) angiography showed a 6 cm × 6 cm aortic PSA involving bilateral renal arteries and a subhepatic inflammatory mass (identified by percutaneous puncture).

DIAGNOSIS

According to the symptoms, CT and lab test, the main diagnosis for this patient were: infective aortic PSA involving bilateral renal arteries, and Bacteremia with K pneumoniae.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOMES

A hybrid procedure combined open surgical and endovascular was performed for managing the paravisceral infection aortic PSA in a 61-year-old man with high risk. To decrease the risk of graft infection, autologous saphenous vein graft was adopted, and long-term antibiotic therapy was used. At 2 years follow-up, the patient was in good clinical condition with continued antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid procedure is an alternative approach according to high risk patients with complex anatomy for open repair of infection aortic PSA. The postoperative long-time continued antibiotic therapy must be emphasized for infection PSA.

Salmonella Typhimurium para-aortic root abscess managed non-surgically

Introduction

Para-aortic root abscess is a destructive vascular condition that can result in significant morbidity and mortality. We describe a rare case of para-aortic root abscess due to Salmonella Typhimurium that was successfully managed medically.

Presentation of case

A 72-year-old diabetic man with a prosthetic aortic graft presented with fever and expressive aphasia with left sided weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed multiple embolic cerebral vascular accidents. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the chest showed a 5.7 × 2.7 cm (cm) para-aortic root abscess. Blood cultures grew Salmonella Typhimurium. The patient was started on ceftriaxone initially, and then ciprofloxacin was added on day 5. Given an unacceptably high risk of mortality expected with surgery, the patient was managed medically.

After five months of both ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone was stopped. Twelve months later, the patient is doing well on ciprofloxacin alone with a plan for lifelong suppression.

Discussion

Cases of para-aortic root abscess due to Salmonella Typhimurium have not been reported in the literature. There are no guidelines to dictate the antibiotic choice or management of para-aortic root abscess due to Salmonella Typhimurium.

Conclusion

This report adds to the body of literature regarding the treatment of this infection including successful non-surgical management.

Development and characterisation of a large diameter decellularised vascular allograft

The aims of this study were to develop a biological large diameter vascular graft by decellularisation of native human aorta to remove the immunogenic cells whilst retaining the essential biomechanical, and biochemical properties for the ultimate benefit of patients with infected synthetic grafts. Donor aortas (n = 6) were subjected to an adaptation of a propriety decellularisation process to remove the cells and acellularity assessed by histological analysis and extraction and quantification of total DNA. The biocompatibility of the acellular aortas was determined using standard contact cytotoxicity tests. Collagen and denatured collagen content of aortas was determined and immunohistochemistry was used to determine the presence of specific extracellular matrix proteins. Donor aortas (n = 6) were divided into two, with one half subject to decellularisation and the other half retained as native tissue. The native and decellularised aorta sections were then subject to uniaxial tensile testing to failure [axial and circumferential directions] and suture retention testing. The data was compared using a paired t-test. Histological evaluation showed an absence of cells in the treated aortas and retention of histoarchitecture including elastin content. The decellularised aortas had less than 15 ng mg-1 total DNA per dry weight (mean 94% reduction) and were biocompatible as determined by in vitro contact cytotoxicity tests. There were no gross changes in the histoarchitecture [elastin and collagen matrix] of the acellular aortas compared to native controls. The decellularisation process also reduced calcium deposits within the tissue. The uniaxial tensile and suture retention testing revealed no significant differences in the material properties (p > 0.05) of decellularised aorta. The decellularisation procedure resulted in minimal changes to the biological and biomechanical properties of the donor aortas. Acellular donor aorta has excellent potential for use as a large diameter vascular graft.

Infectious Aortitis: A Life-Threatening Endovascular Complication of Nontyphoidal Salmonella Bacteremia

A 65-year-old Japanese man living in the United States presented with pyrexia and chills associated with intermittent lower abdominal and back pain for 5 days. He denied recent travel, rash, diarrhea, or rectal bleeding. Physical examination revealed spiking pyrexia, and routine laboratory tests revealed mild leukocytosis and neutrophilia. Abdominal CT with contrast showed findings highly compatible with aortitis. Comprehensive autoimmune evaluation was negative. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was isolated from blood cultures. IV antibiotics were administered, but the patient continued to experience low-grade pyrexia and mild leukocytosis, and follow-up abdominal CT showed progressive aortic inflammation. The patient therefore underwent resection of the affected aortic segment with in-situ graft replacement and lifelong suppressive antibiotics. The patient is asymptomatic with no complications at 18 weeks of follow-up. This case report illustrates that patients with infectious aortitis from nontyphoidal Salmonella may (1) present with nonspecific and nonlocalizing symptoms and signs except for sepsis; (2) have diagnostic blood cultures and abdominal CT findings; and (3) typically require aggressive, prolonged IV antibiotic therapy and surgery for potential cure of this life-threatening infection.

Presence of periaortic gas in Clostridium septicum-infected aortic aneurysm aids in early diagnosis: a case report and systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Clostridium septicum-infected aortic aneurysm is a fatal and rare disease. We present a fatal case of C. septicum-infected aortic aneurysm and a pertinent literature review with treatment suggestions for reducing mortality rates.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old Japanese man with an unremarkable medical history presented with a 3-day history of mild weakness in both legs, and experienced paraplegia and paresthesia a day before admission. Upon recognition of signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and paraplegia, we suspected an occluded Adamkiewicz artery and performed a contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, which revealed an aortic aneurysm with periaortic gas extending from his chest to his abdomen and both kidneys. Antibiotics were initiated followed by emergency surgery for source control of the infection. However, owing to his poor condition and septic shock, aortic repair was not possible. We performed bilateral nephrectomy as a possible source control, after which we initiated mechanical ventilation, continuous hemodialysis, and hemoperfusion. A culture of the samples taken from the infected region and four consecutive blood cultures yielded C. septicum. His condition gradually improved postoperatively; however, on postoperative day 10, massive hemorrhage due to aortic rupture resulted in his death.

CONCLUSIONS

In this patient, C. septicum was thought to have entered his blood through a gastrointestinal tumor, infected the aorta, and spread to his kidneys. However, we were uncertain whether there was an associated malignancy. A literature review of C. septicum-related aneurysms revealed the following: 6-month mortality, 79.5%; periaortic gas present in 92.6% of cases; no standard operative procedure and no guidelines for antimicrobial administration established; and C. septicum was associated with cancer in 82.5% of cases. Thus, we advocate for early diagnosis via the identification of periaortic gas, as an aortic aneurysm progresses rapidly. To reduce the risk of reinfection as well as infection of other sites, there is the need for concurrent surgical management of the aneurysm and any associated malignancy. We recommend debridement of the infectious focus and in situ vascular graft with omental coverage. Postoperatively, orally administered antibiotics must be continued indefinitely (chronic suppression therapy). We believe that these treatments will decrease mortality due to C. septicum-infected aortic aneurysms.

Prevotella intermedia infection causing acute and complicated aortitis-A case report

INTRODUCTION

Aortitis is a general term that refers to all conditions involving an inflammation of the aortic wall. This case report describes the surgical approach of a patient with infectious and symptomatic aortitis caused by the rare vector Prevotella intermedia.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 44-year old male patient was admitted with fever and general discomfort after a period of sore throat in a non-teaching hospital. After two weeks he developed acute abdominal and back pain accompanied by sweating and elevated infection parameters. Computed tomography angiography revealed atherosclerotic changes of the infrarenal aorta with a locally contained rupture of the aorta alongside peri-aortal signs of inflammation (and aortitis aspects). An urgent aortic reconstruction was performed according to Nevelsteen. The blood cultures turned out positive for Prevotella intermedia. Postoperatively the patient received antibiotics for six weeks. The patient recovered uneventful from this infection and surgical procedure.

DISCUSSION

A complicated and acute aortitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening disease. The aetiology can be ordered into two main groups; inflammatory and infectious. Diagnosis is based upon symptoms, biochemical values, microbiological results and imaging modalities. Treatment depends on aetiology and should be discussed in an experienced multidisciplinary setting. Infectious aortitis should be treated with antibiotics for at least six weeks with close monitoring of the patient's clinic and biochemical values, even after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Prevotella intermedia is a rare causative agent for aortitis. Acute aortitis is a challenging clinical entity which should be managed in an equipped medical center by an experienced multidisciplinary team.

Staphylococcus aureus aortitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis: A case report and literature review

An infected aortic aneurysm is a process with high mortality rate. Survival is dependent on an early diagnosis and surgical management. This case report details a rare presentation of aortitis with persistent methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) bacteremia, which initially presented as retroperitoneal fibrosis and was ultimately fatal.

Primary Infected Aortic Aneurysm: Clinical Presentation, Pathogen, and Outcome

PURPOSE

Infected aneurysm of the aorta and adjacent arteries is rarely occurring and can be fatal without surgical intervention. Within the medical community, the most efficacious treatment strategy to address infected aortic aneurysm remains controversial. In this study, we have reviewed our treatment experience with 109 patients.

METHODS

We included in our study all consecutive patients treated for primary infected aortic aneurysm at our facility between 1995 and 2011. Aneurysm-related mortality was defined as the presence of in-hospital and late mortality related to infection or postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 72 years (range, 35-88), and 87 (80%) were male. Pathogen was isolated in 101 patients, and the most common microorganism identified was non-typhoid Salmonella in 61 (60%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus in 16 (16%) and Streptococci species in 7 (7%). Eighty-five (78%) patients underwent surgical treatment. Surgery included open repair with in-situ graft replacement in 77 (71%) and endovascular repair in 8 (7%). The aneurysm-related mortality rate was 67% in medically treated and 21% in surgically treated patients, with a median follow-up duration of 31.5 months (range 1-189). Additionally, risk factors for aneurysm-related mortality included old age, chronic lung disease, psoas muscle abscess, short duration of preoperative antibiotics, no operation, and probably endovascular repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-typhoid Salmonella was the most common pathogen found in our study group patients with infected aortic aneurysm. It appears that prolonged preoperative antibiotic treatment followed by open in-situ graft replacement remains the preferred and most effective treatment strategy.

KEY WORDS

Infected aortic aneurysm; Outcome; Pathogen; Surgery.

Aortitis

Aortitis encompasses all conditions, infectious or non-infectious, leading to different types of inflammation of the aortic wall. The clinical manifestations are usually nonspecific, as are laboratory findings, and sometimes may mimic other diseases. Imaging modalities can help in the assessment of these patients and are often required for making the final diagnosis. It is extremely important to establish an early diagnosis in order to treat timely potentially life-threatening conditions. Anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, sometimes in combination with surgical or endovascular therapies, are proposed according to etiology and disease severity. This review focuses on the classification, epidemiology, diagnostic approach, and management of aortitis with which physicians should be familiar.

Outcomes of Open Repair of Mycotic Descending Thoracic and Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and intermediate-term outcomes of open repair of mycotic thoracic and thoracoabdominal aneurysms. Contemporary surgical and perioperative techniques were utilized.

METHODS

From November 1997 to May 2014, 14 consecutive patients underwent open repair of descending thoracic (n = 9, 64.3%) and thoracoabdominal (n = 5, 35.7%) mycotic aortic aneurysms. All procedures were performed through the left side of the chest. Infected tissue was completely debrided and excised. Aortic continuity was restored in situ with a Dacron prosthesis (Macquet Corp, Oakland, NJ). Soft tissue coverage of the prosthesis was performed when anatomy and patient condition permitted. Perioperative outcomes, intermediate-term survival, and reinfection rates were examined.

RESULTS

All patients presented with either aneurysm-related symptoms or a clinical picture of sepsis. Diagnosis was confirmed utilizing computed tomography imaging. Mean age was 66 ± 13 years, 8 patients (57.1%) were male, and mean aneurysm size was 5.9 ± 1.3 cm. All patients were hypertensive, 3 (21.4%) had prior coronary revascularization, 7 (50%) had chronic pulmonary disease, 5 (35.7%) had diabetes mellitus, and 2 (14.3%) had end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Twelve patients (85.7%) had aneurysm-related pain, and 9 (64.3%) of them had contained rupture. Mean time from onset of illness to surgery was 36 days (range, 0 to 153). On preoperative blood cultures, 4 (28.6%) grew Staphylococcus aureus, 4 (28.6%) grew gram negative organisms, 2 (14.3%) grew mycobacterium, and 4 cultures (28.6%) had negative results. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics were initiated on all patients and adjusted based on final cultures. A majority of patients underwent repair utilizing a clamp-and-sew technique (n = 10, 71.4%); the remainder (n = 4, 28.6%) required repair under profound hypothermic circulatory arrest. After radical debridement of the infected tissue, grafts were placed in the normal anatomic position; 6 (42.9%) patients had additional soft tissue coverage, 5 (35.7%) utilizing an omental flap and 1 (7.1%), a serratus muscle flap. There was 1 in-hospital death (7.1%) secondary to ischemic bowel. Four patients (28.6%) required tracheostomy, and 1 (7.1%) had recurrent nerve injury. None of the patients incurred spinal cord injury, stroke, or new onset renal failure requiring dialysis. After surgery, all patients were given 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Lifelong suppression therapy was maintained with oral antibiotics. There were no episodes of prosthetic graft infection on follow-up. Univariate analysis revealed that New York Heart Association functional class, diabetes, and preoperative renal dysfunction were preoperative risk factors for major adverse events. Mean follow-up time was 26.5 months (median 8.2; range, 1 to 142). Actuarial 5-year survival was 71%.

CONCLUSIONS

Open repair of mycotic descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms remains the gold standard of therapy. Aggressive intraoperative debridement with in situ prosthetic reconstruction permits a high rate of success in this very high risk cohort of patients. Lifelong antibiotic suppression therapy may prevent late prosthetic graft infection.

Vasculitis related to viral and other microbial agents

Vasculitis due to infection may occur as a consequence of the inflammation of vessel walls due to direct or contiguous infection, type II or immune complex-mediated reaction, cell-mediated hypersensitivity, or inflammation due to immune dysregulation triggered by bacterial toxin and/or superantigen production. As immunosuppressive therapy administered in the absence of antimicrobial therapy may increase morbidity and fail to effect the resolution of infection-associated vascular inflammation, it is important to consider infectious entities as potential inciting factors in vasculitis syndromes. The causality between infection and vasculitis has been established in hepatitis B-associated polyarteritis nodosa (HBV-PAN) and hepatitis C-associated (cryoglobulinemic) vasculitis (HCV-CV). The review summarizes the recent literature on the pathophysiological mechanisms and the approaches to the management of HBV-PAN and HCV-CV. Roles of other viral and microbial infections, which either manifest as vasculitic syndromes or are implicated in the pathogenesis of primary vasculitides, are also discussed.

Impaled aorta: a rare case of aortic perforation with a vertebral outgrowth

We describe an unusual case of aortic perforation by a vertebral osteophyte, complicated by a mycotic pseudoaneurysm, in a patient who underwent successful repair. To our knowledge, no similar case has been reported previously.

Repair of idiopathic ascending aortic aneurysm in a 7-year-old child

Ascending aortic aneurysm is uncommon in the paediatric population, and because of the rarity the aetiology, natural progression, and prognosis of the disease remain unknown. A 7-year-old boy with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (60×67 mm) underwent graft anastomosis from the sinotubular junction to the undersurface of the arch. Analytical determinations including karyotyping and genetic mapping were all normal. To our knowledge, idiopathic aneurysm of the ascending aorta in children is very rare.

[Rare aortic diseases: infections, tumors, congenital anomalies]

Congenital malformations, tumors and aortic infections are rare and mostly asymptomatic. Unspecific clinical symptoms may cause delayed verification of the underlying disease. Contrast enhanced computer tomography- and magnetic resonance angiography are important sectional imaging methods for diagnostic completion. Consistent guidelines concerning diagnosis and therapy of rare aortic diseases are non-existent. Aortic tumors must be resected by open surgery, aortic infections in general require medical treatment and anomalies, if indicated, are treated more and more by endovascular or hybrid procedures. Therefore, it is recommended to treat these entities in an interdisciplinary approach in specialized aortic centers.

Mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm caused by Campylobacter fetus: a case report and literature review

Campylobacter spp. usually cause gastrointestinal infections, but among them, Campylobacter fetus is a well-known organism causing mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm (MAAA), which requires proper surgical intervention and antibiotic therapy. We report a 65-year-old man who was successfully treated by an in situ operation using a rifampicin (RFP)-bonded J-Graft for C. fetus-induced MAAA. We performed a review of the English literature on MAAA caused by C. fetus and summarized the results of the cases (28 cases). All but 2 of the patients (92.9%) were men. Blood culture and arterial wall culture were positive in 63% and 73.1% of the cases, respectively. Aneurysm rupture was seen in half of the patients, and approximately half of those patients died. Among the 18 patients who underwent in situ graft replacement, only 1 patient (5.6%) died after surgery. Antibiotic therapy was performed for more than 1 month in most cases, and overall mortality rate was 25.9% (7 of 27 cases, 3 deaths before the operation and 4 deaths after surgery). Although extra-anatomic bypass has been conventionally performed after complete resection of an MAAA, the utility of in situ surgery has generally been recognized. Our review suggests that the in situ operation can be a choice also in cases of C. fetus-associated MAAA. Furthermore, our case suggested the clinical utility of a newly manufactured prosthetic graft, J-Graft, for such surgical treatment.

Acute Conditions Caused by Infectious Aortitis

Infection of the aorta is rare but potentially very dangerous. Under normal circumstances the aorta is very resistant to infections. Following some afflictions, the infection can pass to the aorta from blood or the surrounding tissues. The authors present their 5-year experience with therapy of various types of infections of the abdominal aorta.

METHODS

In the 5-year period between January 2008 and December 2012, the Surgical Clinic of the University Hospital in Pilsen treated 17 patients with acute infection of the abdominal aorta. They included 9 males and 8 females. The mean age was 73.05 years (58-90). The most common pathogens were Salmonella (7), Staphylococcus aureus (2), Klebsiella pneumoniae (1), Listeria monocytogenes (1), and Candida albicans (1). Two cases included mixed bacteria and no infectious agent was cultured in three cases. In 14 cases (82.6%) we decided on an open surgical solution, i.e., resection of the affected abdominal aorta, extensive debridement, and vascular reconstruction. In all of these 14 cases we decided on in situ reconstruction. Twelve cases were treated using silver-impregnated prostheses. An antibiotic impregnated graft was used in one case and fresh aortic allograft in one case. In one case (5.9%) we decided on an endovascular solution, i.e., insertion of a bifurcation stent graft and prolonged antibiotic therapy. In two cases (11.8%) we decided on conservative treatment, as both patients refused any surgical therapy.

RESULTS

Morbidity was 47.2% (8 patients). In one case we had to perform reoperation of a patient on the 15th postoperative day to evacuate the postoperative hematoma. The 30-day mortality was 5.9% (1 patient). The hospital mortality was 11.8% (2 patients). One patient died on the 42nd postoperative day due to multiorgan failure following resection of perforated aortitis. During follow-up (average 3.5 years), we had no case of infection or thrombosis of the vascular prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

Patients with mycotic aneurysms or acute aortitides face a high risk of death. One can legitimately expect an increase of "aortic infections" to parallel the increase of immunocompromised individuals. Surgical procedures for infectious aortitis are always demanding and require excellent interdisciplinary cooperation, but, as this experience shows, can lead to midterm survival.

An infected enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm after acute cholecystitis

INTRODUCTION

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) infection is rare and can be difficult to manage, with high morbidity and mortality. We present a patient who suffered an infected AAA after undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and discuss the surgical management options.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 69-year-old male presents with a rapidly enlarging AAA 4 weeks following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He was managed with open debridement, washout and repair of the aneurysm, but suffered ongoing sequelae of Escherichia coli sepsis.

DISCUSSION

The options for surgical management of infected AAA include open, endovascular and combined approaches. Recent papers report successful use of endovascular repair of infected AAAs but this is an ongoing area of research.

CONCLUSION

Infection of an AAA is associated with high mortality and long-term morbidity and requires optimal treatment. Surgical options include open debridement and repair, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or a combined approach.

A real mycotic aneurysm-mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta due to fungal infection

A 53-year-old male who was being followed up by a nephrology department because of type V crescentic glomerulonephritis was admitted with abdominal pain to our clinic. He was diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm after the examinations. Aortic repair with a tubular graft was performed. Pathological examination of the aneurysm tissue showed fungal hyphae. We started antifungal chemotherapy with amphotericin B. A separation of the graft body occurred, and the patient was reoperated on. An excision of the graft, ligation of the aorta, and axillobifemoral graft by-pass was performed. At the 15(th) month of his discharge, the patient was readmitted to the emergency room of our clinic suffering from hematemesis. According to the examinations, an aortoduodenal fistula was diagnosed, and we performed a partial duodenal resection and end-to-end duodenoduodenostomy. We want to share this unusual, interesting, and complicated case, operated on several times because of a mycotic aneurysm due to a fungal infection.

Intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiographic diagnosis and successful management of mycotic aortitis and pseudoaneurysm

A 38-year-old intravenous drug using man was scheduled for urgent pericardial window surgery to treat pericardial effusion and tamponade. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) during the procedure revealed a minor residual effusion and an atypical heterogenous thickened appearance of the pericardium and adjoining aortic root. Interrogation of the aortic valve with a 'panning' manoeuvre from the mid-oesophageal aortic valve short axis view showed a small hypoechoic lesion between the right and non-coronary cusp at the level of the sinus of Valsalva. Postoperative high-resolution contrast CT confirmed the anaesthesia TOE findings of a small pseudoaneurysm. The decision was then made to proceed to formal aortic root replacement after 5 days of directed antibiotic therapy and evidence of an increase in aneurysm size to 2.7 cm on repeat CT angiogram. The patient made a good postoperative recovery and was eventually discharged from the hospital 3 weeks after his second operation.

Treatment of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm caused by Salmonella

BACKGROUND

We reviewed the outcomes of patients treated for nontyphoidal Salmonella-infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment at a single center.

METHODS

This was a retrospective chart review of 26 patients with nontyphoidal Salmonella-infected AAA. Four patients underwent medical therapy alone, while 22 patients underwent surgical therapy. Revascularization method selection was dependent on preoperative antibiotic response in the surgical therapy group.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality rate for the surgical therapy group was 14%, while the rate for the medical therapy group was 100%. Overall survival for the surgical therapy group was 82%, while the reinfection rate was 9%. In the surgical therapy group, 2 patients had periaortic abscesses and underwent in situ prosthetic graft replacement; none developed graft-related complications or died in the hospital. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank testing revealed no significant differences in graft-related complication and overall survival rates between in situ prosthetic graft group and extra-anatomic bypass group. Salmonella choleraesuis had a higher antimicrobial resistance rate than other isolates. The predictors of survival were clinical presentation of abdominal pain and receiving surgical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

If patients with Salmonella-infected AAAs have good responses to preoperative antibiotic therapy, in situ prosthetic graft replacement is a viable revascularization method, even in the situation of periaortic abscess presentation formation.

Aorto-iliac aneurysm infected by Brucella: distinctive presentation patterns of a rare entity

There is currently a lack of information on presentation patterns and the appropriate investigation and treatment of aortic brucellosis. Herein a case affecting the iliac component of an aorto-iliac aneurysm, managed successfully with in situ graft repair, is reported. A review of the literature identified 25 cases, with the infrarenal abdominal aorta (65%) followed by the ascending thoracic aorta (23%) being mostly affected; only our case involved the iliacs. Aortic brucellosis affected mostly older men, caused pain more often than fever (in 73% and 57%, respectively), and involved frequently the spine or the aortic valve (n = 14, 56%). Preoperative diagnosis was made more often in the presence of fever (67% versus 18% in afebrile patients, P = 0.021). In situ aneurysm repair in the form of open (54%) or endovascular (8%) grafting was mostly performed. Mortality was 12% and graft infection was 13% at two years. In conclusion, aortic brucellosis has unique presentation patterns, usually affecting an abnormal or aneurysmal aorta and/or due to a contiguous spinal or aortic valve infection. Acute symptomatology with pain and/or fever occurs very often and should raise suspicion for aortic infection. Despite the seriousness of aortic involvement, mortality and reinfection rates are within acceptable levels.

Stanford type A aortic dissection secondary to infectious aortitis: a case report

Nowadays, infectious aortitis has become a rare disease thanks to antibiotics, but remains life-threatening. We present a case of a patient with acupuncture-induced infectious aortitis leading to aortic dissection. Chest computed-tomogram scan revealed Stanford type A dissection with pericardial effusion. Under the impression of an impending rupture, emergent surgery was performed. During surgery, infectious aortitis was identified incidentally, so she underwent resection of the infected aorta including surrounding tissues. Then the ascending aorta and hemi-arch were replaced with a prosthetic graft as an in situ fashion. The resected tissue and blood cultures revealed Staphylococcus aureus, so prolonged antibiotherapy was prescribed.

Mycotic aneurysm of ascending aorta in an infant

Mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta is rare in infants. A 12-month-old infant developed a mycotic aneurysm of the ascending aorta secondary to group A streptococcus septicemia. He developed atrioventricular block, and the rapid aneurysm progression under medical therapy prompted us to perform an emergency operation. The aneurysm was successfully repaired using an autologous pericardial patch. He remained well with normal sinus rhythm and was developing normally at the 5-year follow-up.

Endovascular Repair of a Streptococcus pneumonia-Induced Aortitis Complicated by an Iliacocaval Fistula

Purpose: To describe the successful endovascular treatment and follow-up of a patient with a Streptococcus pneumonia-induced right iliacocaval fistula. Case report: A 82-year-old man was diagnosed with a right iliacocaval fistula, as a result of Streptoccocus pneumoniae infection of the distal aorta and proximal right common iliac artery. After antibiotic treatment, he was initially unsuccessfully treated with balloon expandable covered stents. Then, the fistula was excluded by an aortamonoiliac endograft to the left common iliac artery, and occluders in the distal and proximal right common iliac artery followed by a femoral–femoral crossover bypass. Postoperatively patient was treated with prolonged antibiotics. After a follow-up of 20 months, there are no signs of active infection, endoleak, or fistula, both clinically and on 2-deoxy-2-[F18]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Conclusion: In selected patients, complicated infectious disease of the aorto-iliac tract may be treated successfully with an endograft and prolonged antibiotics.

Septic rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque of the ascending aorta

Infectious aortitis has become a rare disease thanks to the widespread use of antibiotics. We report the case of a patient who, 15 days after initiation of antibiotics for bacteraemia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), developed acute chest pain followed by haemodynamic instability. A tamponade due to a rupture into the pericardium of the ascending aorta at the site of an atherosclerotic plaque was diagnosed by an emergent chest contrasted computed tomography (CT). Intraoperatively, the septic nature of the rupture was suspected. All aortic atherosclerotic plaque samples grew MRSA. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery after 12 weeks of antibiotic therapy. Transoesophageal echocardiography and chest CT were normal at 3 months after cessation of antibiotics. This case report permits the review of some characteristics of this disease, its physiopathology as well as the therapeutic implications.

Investigation and Treatment of a Complicated Inflammatory Aortoiliac Aneurysm

Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAAs) account for 5% to 10% of all abdominal aortic aneurysms, occurring primarily in males. Their true etiology is unknown. Symptoms and signs of IAAA are so variable that they present to a wide range of specialties. There is debate in the literature whether IAAA is a manifestation of systemic autoimmune disease. We describe the case of a young female patient with complicated inflammatory aortoiliac aneurysmal disease, illustrating diagnostic and treatment challenges that remain. Our patient had a positive autoantibody screen, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot test, and saccular aneurysms, including infective and inflammatory etiologies in her differential diagnosis. Early diagnosis is crucial to limit disease progression, morbidity, and mortality. Medical management is important to address the underlying disease process, but a combination of endovascular and open surgical intervention is often necessary for definitive treatment. Available evidence offers plausibility for benefit of endovascular intervention over open repair.

Successful emergency endovascular treatment of juxtarenal and infrarental mycotic aortic aneurysms in patients with small diameter aortae using Cook(®) Zenith ESLE Stentgrafts

BACKGROUND

Endovascular repair of mycotic aneurysm is an alternative to open repair if the patho-anatomy is suitable. The aortic size above and below the mycotic aneurysm may be small.

METHODS

A retrospective review was made of prospectively collected departmental computerised database.

RESULTS

Three oriental patients with juxta- and infra-renal mycotic aortic aneurysms with a small aortic diameter of 17 mm to 18 mm underwent successful emergency endovascular treatment using Cook(®) Zenith ESLE stentgrafts. These are ancillary devices aimed at iliac extensions usually.

CONCLUSION

This is to our knowledge the first case series of Cook(®) Zenith ESLE iliac component endografts for the treatment of aortic mycotic aneurysms with small aortae, and short- and mid-term results are encouraging.

Mycotic aneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta in a child with end-stage renal disease

A 5-year-old child with nephrotic syndrome developed a mycotic saccular thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) involving the visceral segment within a 4-month period following pneumococcal bacteremia and presumed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Due to continued aneurysm growth and progression to end-stage renal disease, TAAA repair was performed, followed by cadaveric kidney transplantation. This is the first known instance of mycotic aortic aneurysm formation as a consequence of SPB and the first report of TAAA repair in preparation for kidney transplantation in a child.

Infectious aortitis: a rare cause of chest pain in a child

Infectious aortitis (IA) is a life-threatening bacterial infection that occurs almost exclusively in adults. Only 1 case of IA had been previously reported in a child. We present a case of IA that occurred in a 6.5-year-old previously healthy girl who was seen in our emergency department because of fever and chest pain of immediate onset. She underwent a thorough evaluation but died of aortic rupture before the correct diagnosis was established. The etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of IA are discussed.