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Unusual femoral artery mycotic aneurysm complicated by infective spondylitis

Wei-Che Lin1, Chun-Chung Lui, Chen-Hsiang Lee

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123, Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kasohsiung Hsien, Taiwan, 833, Republic of China.

Emergency Radiology
|July 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of aortic and femoral artery mycotic aneurysms stemming from L4-infective spondylitis is detailed. Wider imaging views, like computed tomography, are crucial for diagnosing this complication.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Disease
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Spinal infections, such as spondylitis, can lead to serious vascular complications.
  • Mycotic aneurysms are infections of the arterial wall, often caused by bacteria or fungi.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with an aortic aneurysm and a left femoral artery mycotic aneurysm.
  • The vascular complications originated from L4-infective spondylitis, spreading through the iliopsoas compartment.

Findings:

  • The case highlights a rare pathway of infection from spinal osteomyelitis to adjacent vascular structures.
  • Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed the extent of the aneurysms and the infectious source.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering widespread vascular complications in patients with spinal infections.
  • Enhanced imaging protocols, including CT, are essential for early detection and management of such rare but severe conditions.

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