[Aortitis due to Salmonella]

T Stelzer1, L T Heuss1, R Schorn1

  • 1Medizinische Klinik, Spital Zollikerberg, Schweiz.

Abstract

Insights

Salmonella bacteraemia can cause infectious aortitis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, including surgery, are crucial for recovery in patients with Salmonella infection and symptoms like fever and abdominal pain.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Salmonella bacteraemia is a serious infection.
  • Infectious aortitis is a rare but life-threatening complication.

Observation:

  • A 72-year-old male presented with fever and abdominal pain, diagnosed with Salmonella enteritidis bacteraemia.
  • Imaging revealed aneurysmatic soft tissue inflammation, consistent with infectious aortitis.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent successful surgical reconstruction of the aorta using xenopericard and mesenterial vessel replacement.
  • A combination of antibiotic therapy (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ceftriaxone) and surgery led to complete recovery.

Implications:

  • Prompt workup for infectious aortitis is recommended for patients with Salmonella bacteraemia and symptoms like fever or abdominal/back pain.
  • Multidisciplinary management involving infectious disease specialists and cardiovascular surgeons is vital for favorable outcomes.

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