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Clostridial Mycotic Aneurysm Leading to Emphysematous Aortitis

Thomas G Ng1, Usha Trivedi1, Kajol Shah1

  • 1Internal Medicine, Rutgers University, Newark, USA.

Cureus
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This case report details a rare instance of emphysematous aortitis caused by Clostridial infection. Characteristic imaging findings highlight the need for prompt management of this severe aortic condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Mycotic aneurysms, infections of the aorta, are rare, often caused by Staphylococcus or Salmonella.
  • Emphysematous aortitis, a severe complication, involves gas in the aortic wall, leading to high mortality.
  • It typically arises from infection on pre-damaged aortic endothelium, common in atherosclerosis.

Observation:

  • A 66-year-old male with comorbidities presented with tachycardia and tachypnea.
  • Chest CT revealed thoracic aortic inflammation with gas bubbles along the aortic wall.
  • Post-mortem cultures identified Clostridium innocuum as the causative agent.

Findings:

  • The case presents a unique instance of emphysematous aortitis due to Clostridial infection.
  • Radiographic findings, though rare, are highly characteristic of the condition.
  • Clostridium innocuum was identified as the specific pathogen in this thoracic aortic infection.

Implications:

  • Emphysematous aortitis, while rare, requires immediate and aggressive clinical management.
  • Characteristic imaging findings are crucial for early diagnosis and intervention.
  • Understanding causative agents like Clostridium innocuum aids in targeted treatment strategies.
Keywords:
cardiothoracic surgeryclostridiumemphysematous aortitismycotic aneurysmrutgers njms

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