Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 13, 2026

Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation
09:56

Intra-tracheal Administration of Haemophilus influenzae in Mouse Models to Study Airway Inflammation

Published on: March 2, 2016

Mycotic aortic aneurysm caused by haemophilus influenzae group F

Heather K Wheeler1, Elina Quiroga, Ted R Kohler

  • 1Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Annals of Vascular Surgery
|March 19, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Haemophilus influenzae rarely causes mycotic aortic aneurysms. Endograft placement in an unsuspected infection led to a contained rupture, highlighting the need for high suspicion of aortic infection before endovascular repair.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Haemophilus influenzae is an uncommon pathogen for mycotic aortic aneurysms.
  • This case involves a mycotic aortic aneurysm complicated by prior endovascular stent-graft placement.

Observation:

  • A 58-year-old man presented with septic physiology 11 days post-endograft placement for a presumed penetrating aortic ulcer.
  • Imaging revealed an inflammatory mass around the distal aorta and right common iliac artery with contained rupture.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent antibiotic treatment, axillo-bifemoral bypass, endograft explantation, and aortic/iliac ligation.
  • Intraoperative cultures identified Haemophilus influenzae, serotype f.

Implications:

  • Endograft placement in unsuspected mycotic aneurysms can have an unfavorable outcome.
  • Maintain a high index of suspicion for aortic infection in patients with systemic symptoms and unusual aortic pathology before considering endovascular repair.

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