[Etiopathogenesis of mycotic aneurysms]

In a patient after operation for metastatic bronchogenic brain abscess presence of aneurysm was demonstrated during control carotid angiography. In previous angiography the aneurysm had not been seen. During further observation the size of the aneurysm decreased. The patient died 5 weeks after the operation due to rupture of lung abscess into the pleural cavity. Microscopic examination showed that the lesion was in fact pseudoaneurysm. The authors discuss the mechanism of development of mycotic aneurysms and their possible role in the pathogenensis of metastatic brain abscesses.