Percutaneous management of abscesses that involve native arteries or synthetic arterial grafts.
Retrospective analysis of 250 cases in which abscess drainage was performed revealed four abscesses in four patients that were associated with either underlying infected synthetic arterial bypass grafts (n = 3) or an underlying infected native artery (n = 1). Percutaneous drainage of the abscess coupled with intravenous antibiotic therapy resulted in palliation in three patients and possible long-term cure in one patient. No catheter-related complications resulted. In two patients, preoperative abscess sterilization allowed the substitution of alternative revascularization procedures of decreased morbidity and technical complexity. On rare occasions, when emergent surgery is absolutely contraindicated in the setting of graft or arterial infection, percutaneous drainage may play a role in palliative therapy.
Lambiase
R E
RE
Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02902.
Dorfman
G S
GS
Cronan
J J
JJ
D000005:Abdomen; D000038:Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000368:Aged; D001011:Aorta / Q000601:surgery; D001158:Arteries / Q000637:transplantation*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000628:therapy; D011859:Radiography; D012187:Retroperitoneal Space