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Published on: December 8, 2014
Abdominal aortic endograft infection with Clostridium difficile
Cara A Lyle1, Francis J Caputo1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, 2569Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Objectives:
The increase in endovascular aortic aneurysm repair has led to increasing incidence of aortic endograft infections. Additionally, more atypical organisms are being identified as pathogens. We report on a rare aortic endograft infection to further characterize and understand these infections.
Methods:
We report a Clostridium difficile culture-positive aortic endograft infection in an 82-year-old male 3 years after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Results:
The patient underwent successful open, complete explant of his endograft and in-situ repair using a rifampin-soaked Dacron graft. He continues to do well.
Conclusions:
Aortic endograft infections are a complex problem further complicated by rare and virulent infections. Unless the patient is at prohibitive risk, the management of infected aortic endografts is surgical graft explant and in-situ or extra-anatomic reconstruction due to the exceedingly high mortality rate with non-operative management.
Insights
A rare aortic endograft infection caused by Clostridium difficile was successfully treated with surgical explant and graft replacement. This case highlights the importance of aggressive management for infected aortic endografts.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Device Infections
Background:
- Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is increasingly common.
- Aortic endograft infections are a growing concern.
- Atypical pathogens are emerging in these infections.
Observation:
- A case of Clostridium difficile infection of an aortic endograft is presented.
- The patient was an 82-year-old male, 3 years post-EVAR.
- The infection was confirmed by positive Clostridium difficile cultures.
Findings:
- The patient underwent successful open surgical explant of the infected endograft.
- In-situ repair was performed using a rifampin-soaked Dacron graft.
- The patient has recovered well following the intervention.
Implications:
- Aortic endograft infections pose a significant management challenge.
- Surgical explant and reconstruction are crucial for favorable outcomes.
- Non-operative management is associated with high mortality rates.
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