Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Permanent Cerebral Vessel Occlusion via Double Ligature and Transection
Published on: July 21, 2013
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.
Abstract:
Mycotic aneurysms (MA) are an uncommon complication of infectious endocarditis. Septic emboli are thought to be the precipitating event in their development, but the evidence for this is sparse. We present three cases in which septic embolic occlusion preceded MA development at the occlusion site, suggesting that documented angiographic emboli in patients with infectious endocarditis and bacteremia constitute a risk factor for MA formation. Two adult patients with a history of intravenous drug use and one child with congenital heart disease are described. They were all diagnosed with infectious endocarditis and developed neurological symptoms during their hospital course. Initial catheter-based cerebral angiograms demonstrated vascular occlusions, which were followed by the development of MA at the same sites within 1 month. Septic emboli, documented on cerebral angiogram, in patients with infectious endocarditis may precede the appearance of MA. Patients with angiographic occlusions in the setting of endocarditis warrant close follow-up.
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: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Endocarditis III: Medical Management
Aneurysm I: Introduction

