Republished: Intracranial vessel occlusion preceding the development of mycotic aneurysms in patients with

Ezequiel Goldschmidt1, Amir H Faraji1, David Salvetti1

  • 1Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

Insights

Mycotic aneurysms (MA) are a rare complication of infectious endocarditis. Documented septic emboli on cerebral angiograms in patients with endocarditis may precede MA formation, indicating a risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Mycotic aneurysms (MA) are uncommon complications of infectious endocarditis.
  • The role of septic emboli in MA development is not well-established.

Observation:

  • Three cases of infectious endocarditis are presented, including two adults with intravenous drug use and one child with congenital heart disease.
  • Patients developed neurological symptoms during hospitalization.
  • Cerebral angiograms revealed vascular occlusions preceding MA development within one month.

Findings:

  • Septic emboli, visualized on cerebral angiograms, preceded mycotic aneurysm formation at the site of occlusion.
  • Documented angiographic emboli in infectious endocarditis patients with bacteremia are a risk factor for MA.

Implications:

  • This study suggests septic emboli are a direct precursor to mycotic aneurysms.
  • Patients with endocarditis and angiographic occlusions require vigilant monitoring for MA development.

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

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...
325
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
309
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

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...
154
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

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...
210
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
175
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

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...
228