Hepatic Artery Aneurysms in Infective Endocarditis: Report of 10 Cases and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic artery aneurysms (HAAs), albeit rare in infective endocarditis (IE), are associated with a life-threatening morbidity. METHODS: Retrospective review of 10 HAA-IE patients based on a total of 623 IE patients managed in 2 institutions (2008-2020) versus 35 literature cases. RESULTS: In our patient population, HAAs (10 males, mean age 48) were incidentally found during IE workup. All were asymptomatic. IE involved mitral (n = 6), aortic (n = 3), or mitral-aortic valve (n = 1). Predisposing factors for IE were as follows: prosthetic valve (n = 6), previous IE (n = 2), IV drug user (n = 1). Streptococcus species (spp.) were predominant (n = 4), then staphylococcus spp (n = 2) and E. faecalis (n = 2). All patients presented associated lesions: infectious aneurysms (n = 5), emboli (n = 9), abscesses (n = 5), and spondylitis/spondylodiscitis (n = 2). HAA patterns on abdominal CT angiography (CTA) were solitary (70%), mean diameter 11.7 mm (range 2-30), intrahepatic location (100%) involving the right HA in 9 out of 10 (90%) patients. In 2 patients, HAAs were complicated (rectorragia and hemobilia in 1, cholestasis in the other). Six patients underwent endovascular hepatic embolization (2 with multiple HAAs). Three HAA-IEs <15 mm resolved under antibiotherapy on abdominal CTA follow-up. All patients underwent cardiac surgery. Late outcome was favorable in all followed patients (5/10). Literature review showed the preponderance of Streptococcus spp., of right lobe and intrahepatic HAA localization. Complications revealed HAAs in patients under antibiotic therapy and/or after cardiac surgery in 17 literature cases of delayed diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal CTA was pivotal in the initial IE workup. Small aneurysms (≤15 mm) resolved under antibiotherapy. The usual treatment modality was HAA embolization and endovascular embolization before valve surgery was safe.

Multiple liver abscesses secondary to Listeria monocytogenes complicated by hepatic artery mycotic aneurysm.

A woman in her 50s presented to the emergency department with 5 days of abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. CT imaging of her liver demonstrated three enhancing, cystic lesions in her hepatic parenchyma and a large enhancing lesion in her porta hepatis concerning for a hepatic artery aneurysm. Radiographic-guided drainage was performed on two accessible liver abscesses, and cultures from this drainage grew Listeria monocytogenes Serial imaging of the aneurysm demonstrated that the aneurysm spontaneously thrombosed and did not require further intervention. She was subsequently discharged on intravenous ampicillin with a plan to continue until radiographic resolution of the abscesses.

Life threatening, subclavian artery mycotic aneurysm rupture into a gigantic supraclavicular abscess in an intravenous drug user.

Subclavian artery injuries are sporadic, and the most common aetiology is trauma. Self-injury of the vessel in those misusing intravenous drugs is a rare complication, as most reports describe injury to the femoral artery. Thus, erosion and potential rupture of the arterial wall is possible due infection and phlegmon or abscess formation. We present a case of a young, female, hemodynamically unstable intravenous drug user admitted to the emergency department with a life-threatening, purulent haemorrhagic mass located at her right lateral cervical region. The patient admitted an inadvertent arterial puncture 10 days prior and an effort to self-manage the bleeding with the application of self-pressure and antibiotics. Computed tomography arteriogram of the neck revealed a gigantic, multicompartment, thick-walled collection with hyperdense fluid in her right supraclavicular region while active extravasation derived from the right subclavian artery was evident in late arterial phase. The patient was treated with endovascular graft stenting, despite the given presence of infection, as a salvage operation due to time limitation in open surgical repair.

Mycotic aneurysm.

Angioinvasive fungal infections of the cerebral vasculature often lead to significant morbidity and mortality. High clinical suspicion and early antifungal therapy could improve outcomes. We describe the fatal case of a patient with a rapidly enlarging cavernous carotid aneurysm due to angioinvasive fungus. This case highlights the challenges in diagnosis and management of this condition.

Safety Profile and Factors Associated With Good Outcome for Endovascularly Treated Infectious Intracranial Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs), or mycotic aneurysms, are infectious inflammatory lesions that can cause devastating neurological damage or death. Recent systemic reviews have suggested endovascular treatment to be efficacious for IIA management. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety profile of different endovascular methods for treating ruptured and unruptured IIAs and factors associated with good clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single study of endovascularly treated ruptured and unruptured IIAs between 2003 and 2019. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to study patient presentation, endovascular treatments used, and clinical and radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients with ruptured (n = 20) and unruptured (n = 18) IIAs treated with endovascular methods were included. One patient required retreatment after aneurysm recanalization, and 2 patients demonstrated new infarcts after embolization. There was no postprocedural radiographic hemorrhage or infarct and no difference in clinical and radiographic outcomes comparing treatment modality. Hypertension was associated with ruptured IIA status and worse clinical outcome at 6 mo (odds ratio: 0.03 [95% confidence interval: 0.002-0.52]). CONCLUSION: In this study, the largest single-center series to date, we showed that endovascular intervention is a safe and effective strategy for both ruptured and unruptured IIAs. Hypertension was associated with ruptured status and worse clinical outcome. Procedures are generally well-tolerated and safe, with good outcomes for patients.

Case of Mycotic Coronary Aneurysm Treated with Percutaneous Coil Embolization.

Mycotic coronary aneurysms are rare, with potentially fatal complications. The treatment of choice is surgical intervention. We present a case of a mycotic coronary aneurysm secondary to a catheter-related bloodstream infection, failed surgical treatment, and eventual treatment with percutaneous coil embolization.

[Aortic Complications Related to Mycobacterium bovis after Intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guérin Therapy - a Systematic Review]. / Systematische Übersichtsarbeit: aortale Komplikationen nach intravesikaler Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Behandlung.

BACKGROUND: Aortic complications after intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) application are a rare complication of the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. The aim of this systematic review was to perform a descriptive analysis of previously published studies and to discuss the particular challenges of diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was performed in PubMed (1949-2021) and Web of Science (1900-2021) using the search terms "mycobacterium" OR "bovis" OR "BCG" AND "aorta" OR "aneurysm". In a staged review process, publications with the following inclusion criteria were included in data analysis: original paper, full-text availability in English or German and aortic complication after intravesical BCG instillation. We focused on the analysis of BCG-specific medical history data as well as treatment strategies in relation to patient outcome and the occurrence of graft infections during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 60 individual cases were described in 55 published articles. BCG-induced mycotic aortic aneurysms can occur in all segments of the thoracoabdominal aorta, but the infrarenal aortic segment was most commonly affected (65% of cases). The most common configuration was saccular outpouchings (65%). Concomitant infections in other tissues were typical (65%). Patients with mycotic aneurysm presented with or without consecutive aortic rupture in 28% and 63%, respectively. Diagnosis was based on a combination of pathological and microbiological examinations. A common treatment algorithm was surgical infection treatment (85%) and antitubercular therapy (83%). Performed simultaneously, they resulted in a long-term survival of 81%. Graft infection after initial aortic repair with alloplastic material (n = 40) developed in ten patients (25%) during follow-up. DISCUSSION: Diagnosis of mycotic aneurysms or vascular complications after intravesical BCG application is exceptionally challenging and a high level of suspicion is required. Diagnosis is based on obtaining sample material of affected regions and the combination of patient's history, clinical presentation and pathological or microbiological examinations. Currently, no consensus guideline for optimal medical treatment options of aortic complications secondary to BCG instillation exists. The combination of surgical treatment and supportive antitubercular therapy seems to achieve the best results. Since the risk of prosthetic infection after the use of alloplastic materials remains high (25%), we strongly suggest evaluating autologous or allogenic aortic replacement during initial aortic repair.

Profunda femoris mycotic aneurysm as a complication of bacterial endocarditis: a case report and review of the literature.

Profunda femoris aneurysms account for only 0.5% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. This case documents a profunda femoris mycotic aneurysm (MA) in a 47-year-old woman, three years post-treatment of bacterial endocarditis. The patient underwent an open surgical excision of the aneurysm with antibiotic cover and made a successful recovery. A literature review was carried out to look at other MA cases to summarise the most common presentations, infective agents and management strategies.

The Association of Spondylitis and Aortic Aneurysm Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess any relation between spondylitis and aortic aneurysmal disease by reviewing the current literature. METHODS: A systematic search was undertaken using MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases till May 2019, for articles reporting on patients suffering from spondylitis and aortic aneurysm. RESULTS: The most involved aortic segment was infrarenal aorta (56.9%). The lumbar vertebrae were more frequently affected (79.7%). Commonest symptoms were back pain (79.1%), fever (33.7%) and lower limb pain (29.1%). 55.8% of cases were diagnosed using computed tomography. The pathology was attributed to infectious causes in 25.1% of cases. 53.4% of patients were treated only for the aneurysm, 27.9% for both pathologies, while two patients solely for the vertebral disease. Endovascular aneurysm repair was chosen in 12.8% of cases. The 30-day mortality was 8.1% (7/86); mostly from vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: A synchronous spondylitis and aortic aneurysm may share common etiopathology, when an infectious or inflammatory cause is presented. The lumbar vertebrae are more frequently affected. Low quality data do not allow safe conclusion to suggest the best treatment option.

Culture-Negative Mycotic Aortic Aneurysms Probably Have a Less Severe Clinical Nature Than Culture-Positive Counterparts.

BACKGROUND: Mycotic aortic aneurysm constitutes a potentially devastating disease that necessitates prompt suspicion and diagnosis. There is no exact consensus for treatment, but removal of infected tissues and prolonged use of antimicrobials based on the identified causative microorganisms seem widely acceptable and have been similarly practiced worldwide. However, some patients still show no identified microorganisms. In this study, we sought to determine whether there are any clinical significance or differences of note in culture-negative mycotic aortic aneurysms. METHODS: Between October 2003 and August 2018, 71 patients were identified as treated for mycotic aortic aneurysms at a single tertiary institution. Review of medical records and imaging studies were completed to collect the following information: demographics, previous medical/surgical history regarding potential infection sources, laboratory and radiologic findings, clinical presentations, treatment method, and morbidity and mortality rates. For analysis, patients were categorized into two groups: the blood and/or tissue culture-positive (CP) group and the blood and/or tissue culture-negative (CN) group. The latter was further divided as CN with identified microorganism by molecular biologic methods [CN(+)] and CN with no identified microorganism [CN(-)]. RESULTS: More patients in the CP group were symptomatic than were in the CN(+) group (100% vs. 80%; P = 0.034). However, identification of causative microorganisms did not result in a difference in symptom status upon comparing the [CP + CN(+)] and [CN(-)] groups. Inflammatory markers were the most elevated in the CP group and least elevated in the CN(-) group. The aneurysm growth rate seemed slower in the CN(-) group than in the CN(+) and CP groups (1.3 vs. 3.4 vs. 9 mm/month respectively). Aneurysm rupture at initial presentation was more prevalent in the CP group (33.3%). 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography showed increased uptake regardless of whether or not the microorganisms were identified. Early mortality and disease-specific mortality rates during the follow-up period were higher in the CP group but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the CP group, the CN groups appeared clinically less severe, and also exhibited a relatively less devastating course as exhibited by the slower aneurysm expansion rate and smaller number of ruptured aneurysms at the initial presentation.

Mycotic Aneurysm of Brachial Artery in Case of Aplastic Anemia.

Pseudo-aneurysm of the brachial artery is relatively rare condition affecting the arterial vessels of the limbs. It can be due to trauma, infections or systemic vasculitis. We report a patient with aplastic anemia who developed pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery following an episode of bacterial sepsis. Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was isolated on blood culture. Patient was treated with systemic antibiotics and underwent embolization of the pseudo-aneurysm. He later developed vascular insufficiency of the forearm and a stent had to be placed in the brachial artery at the site of calcified thrombus inside the pseudo-aneurysm to produce the patency of the artery and ensure adequate blood flow to forearm and hand.

The value of 18F-FDG-PET-CT in the management of infective native aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic literature review was to explore the value of positron emission tomography combined with low-dose computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET-CT) in the diagnostics of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA). METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed using the search terms mycotic- and infected aortic aneurysms in Medline and Sciencedirect databases, published between 1 January 2000 and 1 January 2020. Using the PRISMA statement, articles were scrutinized according to a predefined protocol including: timing of 18F-FDG-PET-CT examination, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), additional findings on examination, and findings on repeated scanning of 18F-FDG-PET-CT. RESULTS: Four studies were included in the analysis, comprising a total of 11 patients. Two studies were single case reports, and two were small case series, all were graded to be of low quality with high risk of bias. All patients were examined with a preoperative 18F-FDG-PET-CT, and 10 (91%) had increased 18F-FDG uptakes. The median SUVmax value was 6.53, range 4.46-9.23. The mean duration of antibiotic therapy prior to 18F-FDG-PET-CT was not known. Two patients were examined with repeated 18F-FDG-PET-CT examinations after treatment, where a decrease in SUVmax values could be demonstrated after successful treatment. CONCLUSION: The literature on 18F-FDF-PET/CT for diagnosing infective native aortic aneurysms is scarce. However, there might be a role for 18F-FDF-PET/CT in the management of the disease, in particular for patients with clinical suspicion of INAA without convincing findings on CT. SUVmax values ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 could be guiding and suggestive of metabolic activity in agreement of INAA. However, further conclusions on its usefulness, robustness and specific SUVmax values are premature, and a definitive cut-off value is probably not attainable.

Abdominal mycotic aortic aneurysm presenting as chronic constipation.

A mycotic aneurysm is a life-threatening disease that usually presents with nonspecific symptoms. A prompt diagnosis is essential because of the risk of aneurysm rupture and high mortality rate. We describe a case of an abdominal mycotic aortic aneurysm presenting as chronic constipation for 3 weeks, without fever or abdominal pain. Point-of-care ultrasound has the ability to detect silent abdominal aortic aneurysms and serves as a follow-up tool for patients under medical treatment.

A mycotic hepatic artery aneurysm, a rare complication of aortic valve endocarditis.

A 58-year-old male underwent an aortic valve replacement due to an acute aortic regurgitation for aortic valve endocarditis. The patient maintained febrile syndrome during the postoperative period, in spite of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The CT scan showed an aneurysmal dilatation (45 mm in diameter) on the right hepatic artery. The appearance of a rapidly growing aneurysmal lesion, which was observed in previous radiologic examinations, suggested a diagnosis of a mycotic aneurysm secondary to infective endocarditis. A selected angiography of the celiac trunk was performed, which confirmed the diagnosis. An endovascular approach was applied and an aneurysm coil embolization was performed. Targeted antibiotic therapy was applied during 6 weeks and the patient showed an improvement and was discharged. He is currently asymptomatic. Discussion Mycotic hepatic artery aneurysms (MHAAs) are uncommon (less than 0.1%) and mainly affect the extrahepatic region (1). In most cases, MHAAs are asymptomatic and a high clinical suspicion is needed. Arteriography is the gold standard and it can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool (2). MHAAs are associated with a high risk of rupture, even in patients without symptoms suggestive of MHAA or previous endocarditis (3). Thus, an early diagnosis and treatment is necessary. Surgery or endovascular techniques may be performed. The endovascular approach is accepted in intrahepatic MHAAs or in high risk patients (1,3). In our patient, a radiological exam was needed due to the persistent febrile syndrome. An endovascular approach was performed after a multidisciplinary team decision.

Aneurysm of the anterior tibial artery as a complication of infectious endocarditis.

OBJECTIVE: Mycotic aneurysms of the infrapopliteal vessels are rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Management strategies are diverse and should be tailored to the patient's presentation. METHODS: We describe the case of a 40-year-old male who presented with a painful left leg mass in the setting of bacteremia and infective endocarditis. Imaging revealed an aneurysm of the anterior tibial artery. RESULTS: The patient was treated with antibiotics and open surgical repair with excision of the aneurysmal sac, ligation of the anterior tibial artery, and primary repair of the popliteal artery and tibioperoneal trunk. CONCLUSION: The epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management of infrapopliteal aneurysms are briefly reviewed in this case study.

Acute enlargement, morphological changes, and rupture of intracranial infectious aneurysm in infective endocarditis. Serial imaging.

A 72-year-old man received a transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) 2 years ago for leakage of the degenerative bioprosthesis with Corevalve n°31 implantation, presented infective endocarditis (IE) (streptococcus sanguinis) of the bioprosthetic aortic valve. One month after antibiotic treatment was initiated, he presented a left-sided hemiplegia, a right frontal hematoma. MRI/contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) revealed 2 infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs) of the right (10 mm) and left middle cerebral artery (MCA) (M2 segment, 5 mm). The right MCA IIA was treated within 1 day by glue-embolization. Seven days later, the patient acutely developed motor aphasia. CE-MRA showed significant enlargement (15 mm) and morphologic change of the ruptured left MCA IIA. This IIA was treated with Onyx-embolization. This case adds additional evidence that IIAs, during IE, can show rapid growth and morphological change over a 7 day course and emphasizes the imperative need of close imaging follow-up when IIAs are managed by antibiotic therapy.