Nocardia nova aortitis after coronary artery bypass surgery

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Cardiac nocardiosis is an uncommon postoperative complication, typically linked to cardiac surgery.
• Nocardia infections can manifest in various forms, posing diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

• A patient presented with persistent fevers and shortness of breath 10 months post-coronary artery bypass operation.
• Imaging revealed a large aortic aneurysm, which was subsequently diagnosed as Nocardia nova infection.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of Nocardia aortitis following coronary artery bypass surgery.
• The Nocardia nova infection was likely acquired during the initial cardiac operation.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering Nocardia infection in patients with delayed postoperative fevers and cardiac complications.
• Underscores the need for heightened awareness among physicians regarding rare infectious etiologies of aortic aneurysms after cardiac procedures.