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Streptococcus pneumoniae, an emerging pathogen in mycotic aneurysms?
R E Brouwer1, J H van Bockel, J T van Dissel
1Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Hospital, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Two patients are described with a mycotic aneurysm caused by streptococcus pneumoniae infection. The patients presented with back pain and fever, and had an antecedent history of lower respiratory tract infection; neither of them were suffering from endocarditis. Mycotic aneurysms are a rare disorder with, over the years, a changing spectrum of presentation, localisation and bacterial aetiology. S. pneumoniae infection has only very rarely been reported as a cause of mycotic aneurysms. Since 1986, 14 patients with a mycotic aneurysm were treated at the Leiden University Hospital. Of these patients, 5 had mycotic aneurysms caused by S. pneumoniae infection. The mortality in these patients was high. In this communication, we would like to draw attention to S. pneumoniae infections as an emerging cause of mycotic aneurysms.
Insights
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an emerging cause of mycotic aneurysms, a rare infection. This study highlights the high mortality associated with these S. pneumoniae infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mycotic aneurysms are rare vascular infections with evolving clinical presentations.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon cause of mycotic aneurysms.
Observation:
- Two patients with mycotic aneurysms caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae infection presented with back pain and fever.
- Neither patient had endocarditis, but both had a history of lower respiratory tract infection.
Findings:
- Over 14 patients with mycotic aneurysms treated since 1986, 5 were caused by S. pneumoniae.
- S. pneumoniae infections associated with mycotic aneurysms had a high mortality rate.
Implications:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mycotic aneurysms.
- Increased awareness of S. pneumoniae as an emerging cause of mycotic aneurysms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.