Infectious intracranial aneurysm associated with Lactococcus garvieae: A case report and literature review.

Lactococcus garvieae is a known fish pathogen associated with numerous aquacultural outbreaks. In humans, L. garvieae primarily causes infective endocarditis, but infections involving other organs have also been reported. We report the first case of ruptured infectious intracranial aneurysm associated with L. garvieae bacteraemia without concomitant infective endocarditis. The diagnosis of a left distal posterior cerebral artery mycotic aneurysm was based on a computed tomography angiogram, catheter angiogram and histopathological examination of the resected aneurysm. Here, we review the literature on human L. garvieae infections and describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors, management and outcomes of the cases identified to date.

First Case Report of Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Caused by Campylobacter fetus in Serbia.

BACKGROUND: Due to its distinct vascular tropism, Campylobacter fetus is recognized as a significant cause of severe systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals, while it is rarely reported as a cause of gastrointestinal infections. METHODS: A rare case of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm associated with Campylobacter fetus detected on the aneurysm wall itself was described. RESULTS: A 68-year-old male was admitted to the hospital due to severe abdominal pain. The patient was afebrile, hemodynamically stable with elevated C-reactive protein levels. A physical examination revealed a palpable, pulsatile, tender mass located in the periumbilical region. Ultrasonography and multi-slice computer tomography angiography (MSCTA) identified an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 6.5 cm, showing suspicious signs of dissection. Aneurysmectomy with Dacron tube graft interposition was performed. Although the blood cultures remained negative, the culture of the aneurysmal wall grew Campylobacter fetus, enabling early diagnosis and targeted antibiotic therapy. The patient was treated with meropenem for two weeks, followed by amoxicillin-clavulanate for another two weeks after hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacter fetus associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms represents a life-threatening condition, posing a significant challenge in vascular surgery. Due to the lack of clear guidelines on antibiotic susceptibility testing and the treatment of infections associated with this pathogen, enhanced surveillance of Campylobacter fetus is necessary in both human and veterinary medicine.

Emergency Artery Ligation and Distal Revascularization for a Limb-Threatening Brachial Artery Mycotic Aneurysm Rupture.

Brachial artery mycotic aneurysms are very rare and even more uncommon to present initially with bleeding or rupture. Initial presentation of ruptured brachial artery mycotic aneurysm in an active intravenous drug abuser is managed with brachial artery ligation with an option of revascularization later. Distal circulation is not commonly threatened as there is a presence of collaterals to perfuse the distal limb. In this case report, we present a case of limb-threatening brachial artery mycotic aneurysm rupture that needed emergency revascularization surgery.

Intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage as a manifestation of ruptured intracranial mycotic aneurysms: A report of 2 cases.

Intracranial mycotic aneurysms (IMA) are caused by abnormal dilatation of brain vessels due to infective dissemination, most often associated with endocarditis vegetation. This condition is relatively rare, accounting for approximately 0.7%-5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms. However, the related morbidity and mortality levels are high due to the occurrence of intracranial (ICH) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We report 2 cases of intracranial mycotic aneurysms that presented to us with features of ICH and SAH and were managed successfully with endovascular therapy. Presently, there are no standardized recommendations for determining the clinical diagnosis and therapy of intracranial mycotic aneurysms. Hence, the treatment given to patients varies greatly. However, it is crucial to achieve a proper diagnosis and initiate early aggressive therapy to improve the prognosis of patients. Endovascular therapy and surgical techniques are safe and effective options with higher survival rates than single-conservative management.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Infective Endocarditis Complicated by Multifocal Mycotic Aneurysms in an Immunocompetent Patient: A Case Report.

Lactobacillaceae are generally considered low-pathogenicity organisms but can occasionally cause severe infections. We report a severe case of infective endocarditis caused by Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus complicated by multifocal mycotic aneurysms in an immunocompetent patient who consumed probiotic drinks daily. He had a history of hypertension and aortic valve regurgitation.After starting antimicrobial treatment, the patient had rapid disease progression and required emergency surgery to prevent the rupture of two abdominal aneurysms. He subsequently experienced a rupture of an intracranial aneurysm, leading to a subarachnoid and intraventricular hemorrhage. This case highlights the potential severity of Lactobacillaceae infections, even in immunocompetent individuals with daily probiotic consumption. Interest in the health benefits of probiotics has grown in recent years, leading to increased global demand. The number of reported cases of Lactobacillaceae infections has also increased. When using probiotics, both the potential benefits and risks need to be considered, especially in susceptible individuals with predisposing conditions.

Endovascular Aortic Repair of an Infective Native Aortic Aneurysm.

An infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA) is a rare, life-threatening, and complex disease. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of INAA remain uncertain. We describe the case of a 64-year-old man who had abdominal pain and a fever for more than one week. We diagnosed him with INAA on the basis of the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and computed tomography (CT) images. After administering preoperative antibiotic therapy for four weeks, we performed endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). He then received antibiotic treatment for 12 months postoperatively. After successful treatment of an INAA with endovascular aortic repair, the patient had no recurrence for more than six years after the end of antibiotic therapy.

Fusarium Keratitis: A Systematic Review (1969 to 2023).

BACKGROUND: Mycotic keratitis (MK) represents a corneal infection, with Fusarium species identified as the leading cause. Fusarium is a genus of filamentous fungi commonly found in soil and plants. While many Fusarium species are harmless, some can cause serious infections in humans and animals, particularly Fusarium keratitis, that can lead to severe ocular infections, prevalent cause of monocular blindness in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Due to its incidence and importance in ophthalmology, we conducted a systematic analysis of clinical cases to increase our understanding of Fusarium keratitis by gathering clinical and demographic data. METHODS: To conduct an analysis of Fusarium keratitis, we looked through the literature from the databases PubMed, Embase, Lilacs, and Google Scholar and found 99 papers that, between March 1969 and September 2023, corresponded to 163 cases of Fusarium keratitis. RESULTS: Our analysis revealed the Fusarium solani species complex as the predominant isolate, with females disproportionately affected by Fusarium keratitis. Notably, contact lens usage emerged as a significant risk factor, implicated in nearly half of cases. Diagnosis primarily relied on culture, while treatment predominantly involved topical natamycin, amphotericin B, and/or voriconazole. Surprisingly, our findings demonstrated a prevalence of cases originating from the United States, suggesting potential underreporting and underestimation of this mycosis in tropical regions. This shows the imperative for heightened vigilance, particularly in underdeveloped regions with substantial agricultural activity, where Fusarium infections may be more prevalent than currently reported. CONCLUSION: Our study sheds light on the clinical complexities of Fusarium keratitis and emphasizes the need for further research and surveillance to effectively tackle this vision-threatening condition. Furthermore, a timely identification and early initiation of antifungal treatment appear to be as important as the choice of initial treatment itself.

Multifocal Mycotic Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms.

Mycotic aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms, though rare, present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The case follows a 74-year-old male with a history of bladder cancer who developed multifocal mycotic aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms following sepsis. Initially misdiagnosed as a Pancoast tumor, imaging revealed an extensive disease involving the right subclavian artery, proximal descending thoracic aorta, infrarenal abdominal aorta, and right common iliac artery. This case highlights the importance of considering mycotic aneurysms in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of infection and highlights the role of Computed Tomography Angiography in early diagnosis.

Unveiling the devastations of Streptococcus sanguinis infective endocarditis masquerading as iron deficiency anaemia: a case report.

Background: Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anaemia worldwide and frequently observed in adolescent women, particularly those with eating disorders like anorexia nervosa. Consequently, clinicians may overlook iron deficiency anaemia, potentially missing a more serious diagnosis. Case summary: A 19-year-old woman was referred to the hospital by her general practitioner due to worsening symptomatic iron deficiency anaemia, despite treatment with oral iron supplementation. Her blood cultures consistently grew Streptococcus sanguinis, and an echocardiogram revealed vegetations on the mitral and tricuspid valves, confirming the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Several systemic complications of varying acuity were identified, including a ruptured left common iliac artery aneurysm with active haemorrhage into the left psoas muscle, enlarging cerebral, hepatic, and right common femoral artery aneurysms, splenic infarction with abscess formation, and an infected left psoas muscle haematoma. Multimodal imaging and collaboration within the multidisciplinary endocarditis team were crucial for coordinating further evaluation and managing the complex array of peripheral lesions in infective endocarditis. The patient was discharged with a good clinical outcome after 81 days. Discussion: This case highlights the risks of overlooking iron deficiency anaemia in adolescent women with anorexia nervosa and the serious consequences of untreated complicated infective endocarditis. It emphasizes the need for thorough investigation of anorexia nervosa patients for infections due to their reduced clinical response, to ensure early diagnosis and treatment.

Infective native arterial aneurysms and inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms: An overview with a focus on emergency settings.

Infective native arterial aneurysms and inflammatory aortic aneurysms are rare but morbid pathologies seen by vascular surgeons in the emergency setting. Presentation is not always clear, and a full workup must be obtained before adopting a management strategy. Treatment is multidisciplinary and is tailored to every case based on workup findings. Imaging with computed tomography, magnetic resonance, or with fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography aids in diagnosis and in monitoring response to treatment. Open surgery is traditionally performed for definitive management. Endovascular surgery may offer an alternative treatment in select cases with acceptable outcomes. Neither technique has been proven to be superior to the other. Physicians should consider patient's anatomy, comorbidities, life expectancy, and goals of care before selecting an approach. Long-term pharmacological treatment, with antibiotics in case of infective aneurysms and immunosuppressants in case of inflammatory aneurysms, is usually required and should be managed in collaboration with infectious disease specialists and rheumatologists.

Open treatment of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm stemming from perineal infection.

Infected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) make up a small minority of AAAs yet are characterized by a high fatality rate, largely attributed to their increased risk of aneurysm rupture. This case details a rare presentation of a 56-year-old man that developed Proteus mirabilis bacteremia secondary to a perineal abscess and subsequently experienced a 3 cm growth of his previously stable AAA over an 8 day period. This case underscores the importance of maintaining a heightened suspicion for infected aortic aneurysms in sick patients and highlights the critical role of surgical management in achieving source control.

Successful Surgical Management of a Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm in a Nine-Month-Old Male: A Rare Pediatric Case.

Intracranial aneurysms in pediatric populations are rare, with a distinct clinical profile compared to adult cases. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a nine-month-old male with an intracranial aneurysm. The child presented with convulsions, a depressed sensorium, and subsequent neurological deficits. Initial imaging revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage, and further angiographic studies identified an aneurysm rupture from the parietal branch of the right middle cerebral artery. The patient underwent successful neurosurgical intervention, including right craniotomy and aneurysm clipping. Post-operative recovery was marked by gradual neurological improvement and the absence of further seizures. This case underscores the importance of prompt diagnostic imaging and surgical management in pediatric intracranial aneurysms, contributing to favorable outcomes despite the rarity of the condition in this age group.

Mycotic aneurysms: uncommon pathogens and treatment conundrums.

Introduction. Mycotic aneurysms, characterized by vessel wall dilation resulting from infections including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, are a rare but severe consequence of systemic infections. The term 'mycotic' was coined by William Osler to describe the first instance of a fungal-induced infected aneurysm. These aneurysms, accounting for 0.6% of aneurysms in Western countries, carry a higher risk of rupture compared to uninfected aneurysms. While the femoral artery, aorta, and intracranial arteries are commonly affected, pathogens causing mycotic aneurysms vary across regions. Diagnostic challenges arise from nonspecific symptoms such as fever, and discomfort. To prevent the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with mycotic aneurysms, timely identification and treatment are paramount. We present a case series highlighting mycotic aneurysms caused by some rare pathogens - Salmonella Paratyphi A, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods. This case series involves three patients diagnosed with mycotic aneurysms due to unusual pathogens. We describe each patient's clinical presentation, medical history, physical examination findings, laboratory results, imaging studies, and the diagnostic process leading to the identification of the causative pathogens. Results. The first patient is a 70-year-old gentleman who presented with a ruptured infra-renal abdominal aortic pseudoaneurysm caused by Salmonella Paratyphi A. The second patient is a 66-year-old gentleman with a Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm. The third patient is a 70-year-old gentleman with a ruptured descending thoracic aortic aneurysm with an occult aorto-oesophageal fistula due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The description highlights unique clinical features, laboratory findings, imaging results, and the management approaches undertaken in each patient. Conclusion. Mycotic aneurysms, pose diagnostic challenges due to their nonspecific symptoms. Early identification and intervention are essential to mitigate the severe complications associated with these aneurysms. The presented cases underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management, ensuring optimal outcomes for patients affected by mycotic aneurysms.

Embolic Events in Infective Endocarditis: A Comprehensive Review.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a life-threating entity with three main complications: heart failure (HF), uncontrolled infection (UI) and embolic events (EEs). HF and UI are the main indications of cardiac surgery and have been studied thoroughly. On the other hand, much more uncertainty surrounds EEs, which have an abrupt and somewhat unpredictable behaviour. EEs in the setting of IE have unique characteristics that must be explored, such as the potential of hemorrhagic transformation of stroke. Accurately predicting which patients will suffer EEs seems to be pivotal to achieve an optimal management of the disease, but this complex process is still not completely understood. The indication of cardiac surgery in order to prevent EEs in the absence of HF or UI is in question as scientific evidence is controversial and mainly of a retrospective nature. This revision addresses these topics and try to summarize the evidence and recommendations about them.

Culture Negative Infective Endocarditis Atypically Diagnosed From Mycotic Cerebral Aneurysm.

Cerebral mycotic aneurysms (CMA) are a rare consequence of infective endocarditis (IE). We report a case of a 75-year-old left-handed male with comorbidities who was admitted to our facility with left-sided weakness, dysarthria, and left-sided facial droop. Initial computed tomography of the head without contrast and angiography of the head showed acute hemorrhage in the paramedian right frontal lobe with extension into the right lateral ventricle, occlusion of the left intracranial internal carotid artery, and an associated 0.3 cm aneurysm involving the distal right anterior cerebral artery. C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were elevated but blood cultures showed no growth for more than five days. The patient underwent a two-vessel cerebral angiogram, primary coil embolization of the aneurysm, and selective catheterization of the left common carotid artery, right internal carotid artery, and right anterior cerebral artery. Transesophageal echocardiography showed an echogenic, highly mobile structure attached to the aortic valve suggestive of vegetation. The patient was subsequently started on a vancomycin regimen and stably discharged for further outpatient follow-up. This case highlights an uncommon presentation of CMA and the retroactive diagnosis of IE.

Superior Mesenteric Artery Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm Following Infective Endocarditis in a Patient With Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Case Report.

We present a rare case of a 25-year-old woman with rheumatic heart disease who developed a superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm (SMAPA) following infective endocarditis (IE). Initially, she presented with chest pain, dyspnea, and fever, leading to the diagnosis of IE and severe mitral regurgitation. After six weeks of antimicrobial therapy, she developed persistent abdominal pain. Further evaluation revealed a mycotic SMAPA, which was successfully treated with open surgical repair. Postoperatively, her abdominal pain improved significantly, and she was discharged on postoperative day five. The current case underscores the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for mycotic pseudoaneurysms in patients with risk factors, even when they present with nonspecific symptoms. The findings also highlight the critical role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in accurate diagnosis and preoperative planning. The favorable outcome supports current guidelines for managing mycotic SMA pseudoaneurysms in complex scenarios, emphasizing the need for adherence to established protocols and recommendations.

Misdiagnosed Isolated Ruptured Mycotic Mitral Valve Aneurysm as Mitral Annulus Calcification.

INTRODUCTION: Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis (SBE) is a slowly developing type of infective endocarditis. Aneurysm is more common in this type of endocarditis. Currently, SBE is an uncommon cause of unexplained fever (FUO) because rapid diagnostic capabilities, such as echocardiography, have improved. Despite echocardiography, endocarditis and valvular aneurysm were missed in our patient due to the location and special shape of the aneurysm near the annulus. CASE REPRESENTATION: We present a case of SBE resulting in an isolated ruptured mycotic mitral valve aneurysm in a patient on dialysis. Mycotic mitral valve aneurysm is an uncommon and serious complication of infective endocarditis, particularly subacute endocarditis. CONCLUSION: In order to diagnose this complication, there should be clinical suspicion in the presence of severe regurgitation without any cause, and a detailed echocardiography should be performed.

Global research on keratomycosis: New insights from latent Dirichlet allocation and HJ-Biplot-driven knowledge mapping study.

BACKGROUND: Keratomycosis is a form of infectious keratitis, an infection of the cornea, which is caused by fungi. This disease is a leading cause of ocular morbidity globally with at least 60 % of the affected individuals becoming monocularly blind. OBJECTIVE: This bibliometric analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the existing body of literature, providing insights of the evolution of keratomycosis research by identifying key themes and research gaps. METHODS: This work used the modeling method Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to identify and interpret scientific information on topics concerning existing categories in a set of documents. The HJ-Biplot method was also used to determine the relationship between the analyzed topics, taking into consideration the years under study. RESULTS: This bibliometric analysis was performed on a total of 2,599 scientific articles published between 1992 and 2022. The five leading countries with more scientific production and citations on keratomycosis were The United States of America, followed by India, China, United Kingdom and Australia. The top five topics studied were Case Reports and Corneal Infections, which exhibited a decreasing trend; followed by Penetrating Keratoplasty and Corneal Surgery, Ocular Effects of Antifungal Drugs, Gene Expression and Inflammatory Response in the Cornea and Patient Data which have been increasing throughout the years. However Filamentous Fungi and Specific Pathogens, and Antifungal Therapies research has been decreasing in trend. CONCLUSION: Additional investigation into innovative antifungal drug therapies is crucial for proactively tackling the potential future resistance to antifungal agents in scientific writing.

Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm, a very sudden development for a preexisting Aortic Aneurysm: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: An Infectious Aortic Aneurysm (IAA), also known as a Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm (MAA), is a rare lesion of the aorta resulting from an infection of its wall. PRESENTATION: A male patient in his 70s presented to our emergency department with fever, intense abdominal pain, and a pulsatile mass in the middle of the abdomen. A Computed Tomography (CT) angiography scan was done two weeks earlier and it showed a 6.6 cm subrenal aortic aneurysm. A new CT angiography scan revealed a 3.4 cm growth (10*10*9.3) with periaortic fluids. The diagnosis of MAA was considered, and emergency surgery was performed. DISCUSSION: MAA is a rare disease characterized by a high risk of rupture and a high mortality rate, up to 43 %, despite the advances in treatment techniques. Adjacent infection is a rare cause for MAA especially on a preexisting aneurysm. The two main surgical approaches are Open Surgical Repair (OSR) and Endo-Vascular Repair (EVR). We opted for OSR with careful debridement because EVR was not available at our center and the huge size of the aneurysm posed high rupture risk. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the importance of close monitoring and early intervention for aneurysms, particularly in cases with adjacent infection. Moreover, the rapid growth rate and rupture risk demands more urgent intervention if the MAA is suspected.