Abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm secondary to melioidosis

Jaideepraj Rao1, A S Kaushal, Chia Kok Hoong

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. jaideepraj_Rao@ttsh.com.sg

Insights

Melioidosis, a bacterial infection common in Southeast Asia, rarely causes abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms. This study details the management and outcomes of two such rare cases.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Melioidosis is a significant public health concern in Southeast Asia, presenting with diverse clinical manifestations including cutaneous abscesses, pneumonia, and severe sepsis.
  • Abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms are uncommon vascular complications, and their association with melioidosis is exceedingly rare.
  • Early and accurate diagnosis of melioidosis-induced pseudoaneurysms is challenging due to the varied presentations of the infection.

Observation:

  • This report focuses on two unique cases of abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms directly resulting from melioidosis.
  • The clinical presentation and diagnostic challenges associated with these rare pseudoaneurysms are highlighted.
  • The study documents the specific management strategies employed for these complex cases.

Findings:

  • Successful treatment of melioidosis-associated abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms requires a multidisciplinary approach.
  • The outcomes of the two presented cases demonstrate the feasibility of managing this rare condition.
  • Effective antimicrobial therapy combined with surgical or endovascular intervention is crucial for favorable results.

Implications:

  • This case series expands the understanding of melioidosis's potential to cause rare vascular complications.
  • It underscores the importance of considering melioidosis in the differential diagnosis of abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysms, particularly in endemic regions.
  • The findings provide valuable insights for clinicians managing patients with infectious diseases and complex vascular conditions.

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