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Published on: May 17, 2015
Histoplasma infection of aortofemoral bypass graft
Nishit Patel1, Michael S Bronze
1Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Abstract:
Histoplasma infection of vascular grafts is extremely rare. To our knowledge, there are only 4 cases reported with Histoplasma capsulatum infection of the aortic graft. All had previous disseminated histoplasmosis and atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease. They were treated surgically with explantation of the infected graft and reimplantation of new graft in extra-anatomic uninfected site. The authors present a new case of H capsulatum infection of aortofemoral bypass graft, but unlike the other cases, this case was managed without surgical intervention.
Insights
Histoplasma infection of vascular grafts is rare, with only four prior aortic graft cases. This report details a unique aortofemoral bypass graft infection managed successfully without surgery.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
- Mycology
Background:
- Histoplasma capsulatum is an endemic fungus causing disseminated infection, primarily in immunocompromised individuals.
- Vascular graft infections are serious complications, often requiring surgical intervention.
- Infection of aortic grafts by Histoplasma capsulatum is exceptionally rare, with limited documented cases.
Observation:
- The authors report a case of Histoplasma capsulatum infection in an aortofemoral bypass graft.
- Unlike previously reported cases, this patient had no history of disseminated histoplasmosis or atherosclerotic peripheral vascular disease.
- The infection was successfully managed non-surgically.
Findings:
- This case represents a novel presentation of Histoplasma capsulatum vascular graft infection.
- Non-surgical management, including antifungal therapy, proved effective in resolving the graft infection.
- This challenges the traditional surgical approach for such rare infections.
Implications:
- This study suggests that non-surgical management may be a viable option for select cases of Histoplasma vascular graft infections.
- Further research is warranted to establish guidelines for the non-surgical treatment of fungal vascular graft infections.
- This finding expands the therapeutic strategies for managing rare fungal infections in prosthetic vascular grafts.
