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Clostridium septicum aortitis causing aortic dissection in a 22-year-old man
Zhaohai Yang1, Stephanie D Reilly
1Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35233, USA.
Texas Heart Institute Journal
|August 21, 2009
Summary
Clostridium septicum infection rarely causes aortic dissection, typically in elderly patients with colon cancer. This report details a fatal case in a young man with no predisposing factors, highlighting a unique presentation of this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Clostridium septicum infection is a rare cause of aortic dissection.
- This condition has a high mortality rate, with 26 previously reported cases.
- All prior cases involved elderly patients, often with colonic neoplasms.
Observation:
- A 22-year-old male presented with aortic dissection.
- The dissection involved the entire length of the aorta.
- Autopsy revealed no colonic neoplasm or other predisposing conditions.
Findings:
- This is the first reported case of Clostridium septicum aortitis in a young individual.
- The patient's aortic dissection was attributed to Clostridium septicum infection.
- No underlying malignancy or other risk factors were identified.
Implications:
- This case expands the known demographic for Clostridium septicum aortitis.
- It suggests that Clostridium septicum infection can cause severe aortic disease even in young, otherwise healthy individuals.
- Further research may be needed to understand the pathogenesis and identify potential risk factors in younger populations.
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