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Published on: December 11, 2017
Aspergillus Pseudoaneurysm Post Aortic Valve Replacement
Joel Perdomo1, David D Yuh2, Pramod Bonde1
1Bonde Artificial Heart Laboratory, Center for Advanced Heart Failure and Transplantation, Section of Cardiac Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; and.
Abstract:
Thoracic aortic mycotic aneurysms caused by Aspergillus fumigatus postoperatively are rare and devastating complications. These cases are usually attributed to intraoperative contamination of surgical equipment. We present a patient who had an ascending aortic mycotic aneurysm 20 weeks post aortic valve replacement. A high index of suspicion allowed for diagnosis and prompt treatment, although the patient presented in an unusual manner. Treatment included both medical and surgical therapy to minimize morbidity and mortality. Despite treatment our patient suffered long-lasting consequences due to the aggressive nature of the disease. Cases presented in the literature and this experience show that a high index of suspicion must be maintained in such patients regardless of immune status and postoperative interval, in order to avoid long-lasting sequelae.
Insights
Postoperative Aspergillus fumigatus infections can cause rare thoracic aortic mycotic aneurysms. Early diagnosis and combined medical-surgical treatment are crucial, though long-term consequences may persist.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Postoperative thoracic aortic mycotic aneurysms are rare but severe complications.
- Intraoperative contamination is the typical cause of these aneurysms.
Observation:
- A patient developed an ascending aortic mycotic aneurysm 20 weeks after aortic valve replacement.
- The patient presented atypically, necessitating a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.
Findings:
- Prompt diagnosis and combined medical and surgical treatment were initiated.
- Despite treatment, the patient experienced long-lasting consequences due to the aggressive nature of Aspergillus fumigatus infection.
Implications:
- A high index of suspicion is vital for diagnosing thoracic aortic mycotic aneurysms, irrespective of patient immune status or postoperative timing.
- Early detection and intervention are critical to minimize morbidity and mortality associated with these devastating infections.
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