[Infected aneurysms of the aorta].

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Mycotic aneurysms are rare vascular infections, classified into primary, secondary to endocarditis, or direct inoculation.
• Primary mycotic aneurysms typically arise from bacteremia seeding an atheromatous lesion.
• Clinical presentation can be delayed or misleading, complicating early diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of mycotic aneurysms.
• To emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention to prevent catastrophic rupture.
• To highlight the broad spectrum of causative microorganisms and the need for prompt microbiological investigation.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on mycotic aneurysm classification and pathogenesis.
• Analysis of clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment strategies.
• Emphasis on microbiologic diagnosis and empirical antibiotic selection.

Main Results:

• Mycotic aneurysms require urgent diagnosis and management due to high rupture risk.
• Early signs include clinical aneurysm, pain, and infectious syndrome.
• Broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotics and surgical repair are indicated.

Conclusions:

• Mycotic aneurysms necessitate a high index of suspicion for timely diagnosis.
• Immediate antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention are critical for favorable outcomes.
• Comprehensive microbiologic evaluation guides definitive antimicrobial treatment.