Infected aneurysm

Disease class: Aneurysm

Disease class: Infection

Commonly known as mycotic aneurysm.
This refers to an infection of an arterial wall.

 

Causes

• Infective endocarditis
• Post-operative (cardiothoracic) infections 

 

Pathophysiology

Infectious agents penetrate the innermost layer of an artery and grow, forming an aneurysm.

When this is secondary to IE, there are likely to be many aneurysms around the circulatory system. As many as 15% to 29% of patients with IE have neurologic symptoms. IE may be responsible 2.6% of aortic aneurysms.

 

Causative organisms

• Commonly bacteria
• Rarely fungal

Investigations

On imaging, the aneurysm may appear 'mushroom-shaped' (this is the only reason why it is known as 'mycotic' aneurysm).

Complications

• Haemorrhage
• Sepsis

 

Management 

• Antibiotic therapy
• Surgical resection
• Surgical removal of infectious source