Direct replacement of mycotic thoracoabdominal aneurysms

Direct graft replacement with local debridement and prolonged administration of antibiotics was used in the treatment of six patients with mycotic thoracoabdominal aneurysms. The only early death occurred in a patient with systemic sepsis related to Staphylococcus aureus mycotic suprarenal aneurysm. Long-term survival of the remaining patients has been excellent: two patients died of unrelated causes at 5 and 6 years, respectively; one patient remains alive with known persistent infection at 5 years; and the remaining patients are alive with no evidence of infection at 1 1/2 and 10 years, respectively. Percutaneous aspiration of infected perigraft fluid with local instillation of antibiotics along with administration of intravenous antibiotics may provide palliation in selected patients with recurrent infections. In view of the magnitude of the problems associated with recurrent infection, life-time administration of antibiotics is recommended after in situ graft replacement of mycotic thoracoabdominal aneurysms.