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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Mouse Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Model by Periadventitial Calcium Chloride and Elastase Infiltration
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Published on: August 2, 2024

Aortic Infections-A Narrative Review

Manuel J D R Silva1, Andrew H Stephen2, Emanuel Dias1

  • 1Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Hospital do Divino Espírito Santo, Ponta Delgada, Portugal.

Surgical Infections
|July 9, 2026
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Aortic infections (AIs) are complex, life-threatening vascular surgery complications. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving antimicrobial therapy and surgical intervention for improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Microbiology

Background:

  • Aortic infections (AIs) present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
  • AIs are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
  • This review focuses on primary and post-operative aortic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current literature on aortic infections.
  • To provide guidance on the diagnosis and management of AIs.
  • To highlight challenges in treating AIs, including multi-drug resistant organisms.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane).
  • Utilized Boolean search strategies with keywords: aorta, infection, aortitis, aortic graft infection, infected aortic aneurysm, mycotic aneurysm.

Main Results:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen (80%), producing toxins that can cause anastomotic disruption.
  • Non-specific symptoms range from mild malaise to sepsis and shock; multi-drug resistant organisms complicate treatment.
  • Management involves antimicrobial therapy and surgical control (washout, repair, or graft removal).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic infections are complex, life-threatening surgical emergencies.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for reducing AI prevalence and improving outcomes.
  • Collaboration with intensive care and infectious disease specialists enhances long-term results.
Keywords:
aortic infectionsaortitisgraft infectionsurgical site infection

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