Fallibility of intra-operative gram stain in the diagnosis of vascular infection.
Three cases of arterial-graft infection are presented. In all cases the gram stain obtained at surgery demonstrated white blood cells but no bacteria. Cultures obtained at operation subsequently grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa in two patients and Bacteroides fragilis in one patient. Failure to recognize the fallibility of the gram stain in the diagnosis of vascular infection may result in incorrect management decisions.
D000368:Aged; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*