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Evolving infectious aortitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Rekha Goswami1, Kerry O Cleveland, Michael S Gelfand

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.

Southern Medical Journal
|November 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Mycotic aneurysms, infections of major vessels, present diagnostic challenges and high mortality. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including for pneumococcal aortitis, are crucial for patient survival.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Mycotic aneurysms are rare but serious infections of major blood vessels.
  • These infections pose significant diagnostic challenges for clinicians.
  • High mortality rates are associated with untreated mycotic aneurysms.

Observation:

  • The authors present two cases of infectious aortitis caused by pneumococcus.
  • Both cases developed during hospitalization, highlighting the potential for nosocomial infections.
  • The clinical presentation and diagnostic evolution of these cases are discussed.

Findings:

  • Pneumococcal aortitis can present insidiously, complicating early diagnosis.
  • Diagnostic difficulties include non-specific symptoms and the need for advanced imaging.
  • Infectious aortitis requires a high index of suspicion for timely intervention.

Implications:

  • Early recognition and multidisciplinary management are vital for improving outcomes in mycotic aneurysms.
  • This case series underscores the importance of considering infectious causes in aortic pathologies.
  • Further research into optimal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infectious aortitis is warranted.

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