Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026

A Metadata Extraction Approach for Clinical Case Reports to Enable Advanced Understanding of Biomedical Concepts
Published on: September 20, 2018
Infectious Aortitis: Case Report and Literature Review
Basel Abdelazeem1, Soumya Kambalapalli1, Abdelilah Lahmar2
1Internal Medicine, McLaren Health Care, Michigan State University (MSU), Flint, USA.
Abstract:
Aortitis is the inflammation of the aorta secondary to either infectious or non-infectious etiologies. Infectious aortitis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. It is more common among older patients with preexisting pathology. Clinical presentation is variable, therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for timely diagnosis and management. We report a case of aortitis which was complicated with the development of a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm. A 76-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with two days of right lower quadrant abdominal pain. Clinical evaluation and imaging studies revealed abdominal aortitis, which progressed to a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm. We highlight a unique presentation of infectious aortitis to raise awareness among physicians. We also reviewed the available literature on infectious aortitis to illustrate the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment to improve the patients' outcomes.
Insights
Infectious aortitis, a rare condition, can lead to dangerous aortic aneurysms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better patient outcomes in this serious aortic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Aortitis, inflammation of the aorta, can stem from infectious or non-infectious causes.
- Infectious aortitis is uncommon but poses significant life-threatening risks, particularly in elderly patients with comorbidities.
- Variable clinical presentations necessitate a high index of suspicion for prompt diagnosis and management.
Observation:
- A 76-year-old male presented with acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain.
- Clinical assessment and imaging confirmed abdominal aortitis.
- The condition progressed to a saccular abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Findings:
- This case illustrates a unique presentation of infectious aortitis.
- Infectious aortitis can lead to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Literature review underscores the importance of early detection and treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare complication of infectious aortitis, emphasizing the need for physician awareness.
- Underscores the critical role of timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment in improving patient prognosis for infectious aortitis.
- Provides insights into managing complex cases of aortic inflammation and aneurysm formation.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Endocarditis I: Introduction
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis
Myocarditis I: Introduction
Myocarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aneurysm I: Introduction

