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Visualization of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Cardiac Microlesions and Subsequent Cardiac Remodeling
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Ruptured Pneumococcal Aortic Aneurysm Presenting as ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Case Report and Literature

Xiaoyue Mona Guo1, Pramod Bonde2

  • 1Bonde Artificial Heart Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.

Aorta (Stamford, Conn.)
|January 23, 2016
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of ruptured pneumococcal aneurysm mimicked a heart attack. Prompt surgical repair and antibiotic treatment were crucial for survival, highlighting the need for broader differential diagnoses.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Mycotic aneurysms are rare, with pneumococcal etiology being exceptionally uncommon.
  • Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) presentation can mask other serious conditions.

Observation:

  • A patient presented with STEMI, leading to cardiac catheterization and Plavix administration.
  • The patient was later diagnosed with a ruptured aortic aneurysm, requiring emergency surgery.
  • Intraoperative findings revealed the aorta was infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Findings:

  • Retrospective analysis identified a history of upper respiratory infection and chronic back pain.
  • Literature review confirmed the rarity of ruptured pneumococcal aneurysms and discussed aortic conditions mimicking myocardial infarction.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering non-cardiac etiologies in atypical presentations.

Implications:

  • Highlights the diagnostic challenge of differentiating ruptured aneurysms from acute coronary syndromes.
  • Emphasizes the need for a comprehensive patient evaluation, including history and imaging, in complex cases.
  • Provides insights into managing rare infectious aortic aneurysms and preventing misdiagnosis.
Keywords:
AneurysmMycoticRuptureSTEMIStreptococcal

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