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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.
The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|May 9, 1998
Summary
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.