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Published on: August 24, 2019
Infectious thoracic aortitis: a literature review
R J Lopes1, J Almeida, P J Dias
1Serviço de Cardiologia, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal. rjlclopes@hotmail.com
Clinical Cardiology
|September 11, 2009
Summary
Infectious thoracic aortitis (IA) is a rare but lethal condition. Early diagnosis and combined antibiotic therapy with surgical removal of the infected aorta offer the best treatment outcome.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Infectious thoracic aortitis (IA) is a rare condition, even with antibiotic availability.
- Untreated IA is invariably fatal, often affecting patients with pre-existing atherosclerosis or infective endocarditis.
- Mycotic aneurysms are the most common presentation, but non-aneurysmal forms also occur.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical importance of early diagnosis in infectious thoracic aortitis.
- To discuss the common causative microorganisms and clinical presentations of IA.
- To outline the optimal treatment strategy for IA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious thoracic aortitis cases.
- Analysis of common pathogens associated with IA.
- Review of diagnostic challenges and treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcal, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Salmonella species are frequently implicated in IA.
- Clinical manifestations of IA are often nonspecific, leading to diagnostic delays.
- Early diagnosis is crucial due to the potentially life-threatening nature of IA.
Conclusions:
- Infectious thoracic aortitis requires prompt diagnosis and aggressive management.
- The gold standard treatment combines broad-spectrum antibiotherapy with complete surgical excision of the infected aortic segment.
- Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential for successful patient outcomes in IA.
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