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A mycotic forearm pseudoaneurym as an unusual complication of infective endocarditis

Gonçalo M Rodrigues1, Carlos Oliveira Amaral, Hugo Dias Valentim

  • 1Departmento de Angiologia e Cirurgia Vascular do Hospital de Santa Marta, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Lisboa, Portugal.

Revista Portuguesa De Cirurgia Cardio-Toracica E Vascular : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cirurgia Cardio-Toracica E Vascular
|September 2, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mycotic pseudoaneurysms, rare complications of infective endocarditis, can occur in the forearm. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing these vascular emergencies.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare complications of infective endocarditis.
  • Intracranial arteries are most commonly affected, followed by the aorta and peripheral vessels.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old man with subarachnoid hemorrhage developed fever and was diagnosed with infective endocarditis (Staphylococcus Aureus).
  • He later presented with a large, pulsatile left forearm mass.
  • Ultrasound revealed a giant pseudoaneurysm of the radial artery.

Findings:

  • Surgical intervention identified a large radial artery laceration.
  • A vein graft interposition was performed to repair the artery.

Implications:

  • Forearm mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare but require a high index of suspicion.
  • Consider these in the differential diagnosis of extremity pain, swelling, or neurological deficits post-infective endocarditis.

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