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Infectious aortitis: a rare cause of chest pain in a child

Shepard B Schwartz1, Drora Fisher, Constantin Reinus

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, affiliated with the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel. shepschwartz@gmail.com

Pediatric Emergency Care
|July 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Infectious aortitis, a rare bacterial infection, is life-threatening in children. This case highlights a previously healthy girl who died from aortic rupture before diagnosis, emphasizing the need for awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Medical Case Reports

Background:

  • Infectious aortitis (IA) is a severe bacterial infection predominantly affecting adults.
  • IA in pediatric populations is exceptionally rare, with only one prior reported case.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing IA.

Observation:

  • A previously healthy 6.5-year-old girl presented with acute fever and chest pain.
  • The patient experienced rapid deterioration due to aortic rupture.
  • Diagnosis was not established before the fatal outcome.

Findings:

  • This report details a rare pediatric case of infectious aortitis.
  • The case underscores the potential for rapid and fatal progression of IA in children.
  • Delayed diagnosis contributed to the unfavorable outcome.

Implications:

  • Increased clinical suspicion for IA in children with relevant symptoms is warranted.
  • Further research into the recognition and management of pediatric IA is needed.
  • This case serves as a critical reminder of IA's potential severity in young patients.

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