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Published on: June 4, 2012
Aortitis and Recurrent Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Andreia Coutinho1, Inês De Albuquerque Monteiro1, Sofia Festa1
1Internal Medicine, Centro Hospitalar do Médio Ave, Santo Tirso, PRT.
Abstract:
Infectious aortitis is a rare entity with high mortality and should be considered in the presence of persistent bacteremia, especially in the absence of endocarditis. We present the clinical case of a woman who developed aortitis due to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, complicated with mycotic aneurysm and recurrent bacteremia, even under appropriate treatment. Given the concomitant probable diagnosis of malignant pancreatic neoplasia, the hypothesis of a possible relationship or contribution to bacteremia is raised.
Insights
Infectious aortitis, a rare condition, demands consideration with persistent bacteremia. This case highlights Staphylococcus aureus causing aortitis and aneurysm, even with treatment, suggesting a potential link to pancreatic cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Infectious aortitis is a rare but serious condition with high mortality rates.
- It should be suspected in patients with persistent bacteremia, particularly when endocarditis is absent.
Observation:
- A case of a woman with methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infectious aortitis is presented.
- The condition complicated into a mycotic aneurysm with recurrent bacteremia, persisting despite appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Findings:
- Recurrent bacteremia occurred despite targeted antibiotic treatment for MSSA.
- A probable diagnosis of malignant pancreatic neoplasia was noted concurrently.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering infectious aortitis in unexplained persistent bacteremia.
- The potential contribution of an underlying malignancy, such as pancreatic cancer, to recurrent bacteremia warrants further investigation.
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