An Unusual Case of Non-typhoidal Salmonella Bacteremia Causing Life-Threatening Aortitis

Non-typhoidal Salmonella typically presents with gastroenteritis. However, an invasive Salmonella infection, which may be typically seen in immunocompromised patients, has a propensity for aortic involvement, especially in patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis. Here we present a 60-year-old female with multiple comorbid conditions and currently on immunosuppressants for rheumatoid arthritis, who presented with nausea, vomiting, and fever of three weeks duration and was found to have Salmonella bacteremia. Blood cultures were positive for Salmonella enterica. Computed tomography (CT) abdomen with contrast was concerning for mycotic aortitis. The patient underwent endovascular repair of an aortic ulcer and was treated with a six-week course of ceftriaxone. Mycotic aneurysm is a rare but potentially fatal complication of invasive Salmonella infection. It occurs typically in older men with atherosclerotic risk factors. It mostly presents as fever, back pain, and/or abdominal pain. Our patient was a middle-aged female who presented with non-specific symptoms. CT angiogram is the diagnostic modality of choice and treatment may require surgical vascular repair and long-term antibiotics. A high level of suspicion is needed to diagnose Salmonella-related mycotic aneurysm/aortitis. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve the mortality.