Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
08:33
Murine Surgical Model of Topical Elastase Induced Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 24, 2019
7.2K
[Infectious thoracic aortic aneurysms: 7 cases and literature review]
1Service de médecine interne, hospices civils de Lyon, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, université de Lyon, 103, Grande-Rue-de-la-Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 04, France.
La Revue De Medecine Interne
|December 11, 2013
Summary
Infectious thoracic aortic aneurysms are rare but serious. Diagnosis requires considering rapid growth and inflammation, with endovascular repair showing promise for favorable outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Infectious aortic aneurysms (IAAs) are uncommon, accounting for 2% of all aortic aneurysms.
- Published data primarily focuses on infected abdominal aortic aneurysms, leaving infectious thoracic aortic aneurysms (ITAA) underrepresented.
Observation:
- This retrospective study analyzed seven patients (six men, one woman; mean age 66) with ITAA.
- Common symptoms included fever (71%) and chest pain (42%), often alongside cardiovascular risk factors.
- Causative pathogens identified were Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis, and Candida albicans.
Findings:
- Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed rapidly growing aneurysms (>50 mm diameter) with inflammatory aortic walls in most patients.
- Management involved surgery (3 patients) or endovascular repair (4 patients).
- Six out of seven patients experienced favorable outcomes, with one mortality due to aneurysm complications.
Implications:
- Clinical presentation of ITAA is variable; diagnosis should be considered in patients with rapidly expanding aneurysms, particularly with elevated inflammatory markers.
- Endovascular repair is a viable treatment option for ITAA.
- Further research is needed to define the role of FDG-PET in ITAA diagnosis and monitoring.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
589
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
589
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
650
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
650
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
1.6K
IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
1.6K
01:25Endocarditis I: Introduction
873
Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
873
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
1.2K
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
1.2K
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
478
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
478