[Unusual cause of Staphylococcus aureus septicemia in a 79-year-old male patient]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Microbiology

Background:

• Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia can lead to severe systemic complications.
• Aortic pseudoaneurysms are rare but life-threatening conditions.
• Hematogenous spread of bacteria can cause secondary infections in vascular structures.

Observation:

• A 79-year-old male presented with high-grade fever and Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
• A covered perforation of the ascending aorta had formed a pseudoaneurysm.
• The pseudoaneurysm became superinfected by Staphylococcus aureus, extending to the pericardium, causing bacterial pericarditis.

Findings:

• The infected aortic pseudoaneurysm was in direct contact with the pericardium.
• Bacterial pericarditis was a complication of the superinfected pseudoaneurysm.
• The patient underwent antibiotic pretreatment followed by complex surgical intervention.

Implications:

• Successful surgical management included resection of the pseudoaneurysm and suture closure of the aortic perforation.
• This case highlights the importance of considering rare complications of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
• Prompt diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are crucial for managing infected aortic pseudoaneurysms and associated pericarditis.