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Infected aortic aneurysm caused by Streptococcus pyogenes: A case report
Noriyuki Watanabe1, Sachie Koyama1, Mayu Tabira1
1Clinical Laboratory, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan.
Abstract:
We reported the case with infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) caused by Streptococcus (S.) pyogenes. A seventy-seven-year-old man, who had the history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), complained fever and abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan revealed the aneurysm above common iliac artery with false lumen. On admission, laboratory tests found marked elevation of inflammatory biomarkers. Thereby the infected AAA was suspected and blood culture was taken. The administration of meropenem (MEPM) and daptomycin (DAP) was started. Next day he underwent abdominal aortic replacement with prosthetic graft and debridement because of persistent abdominal pain and the enlargement of aneurysm. S. pyogenes in blood culture samples was identified by Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry. Same result was obtained from the tissue samples of the resected AAA. Then the diagnosis of infected AAA caused by S. pyogenes was made. Since isolated S. pyogenes showed the susceptibility to antibiotics tested including penicillin, antibiotics were changed to ampicillin (ABPC) for the de-escalation of antibiotics. He had kept the administration of ABPC for 4 weeks and transferred to another hospital for the further treatment of DM. The aneurysms by S. pyogenes are extremely rare, but we should note that S. pyogenes could induce the aneurysms.
Insights
This case report highlights a rare instance of an infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention were crucial for managing this life-threatening condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are uncommon but serious conditions.
- Streptococcus (S.) pyogenes is a rare causative agent of AAA.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus presented with fever and abdominal pain.
- Computed tomography revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a false lumen.
- Elevated inflammatory biomarkers indicated a suspected infection.
Findings:
- S. pyogenes was identified as the causative agent from blood and tissue cultures using Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry.
- The patient underwent successful surgical aortic replacement and debridement.
- Antibiotic therapy was initiated with meropenem and daptomycin, later de-escalated to ampicillin based on susceptibility.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering S. pyogenes in the etiology of infected AAA, despite its rarity.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial and surgical management are critical for favorable outcomes.
- The findings contribute to the understanding of rare infectious complications of aortic aneurysms.
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