[Infectious aneurysm due to Listeria monocytogenes: a new case and review of the literature].
BACKGROUND
Infections due to Listeria monocytogenes usually occur in pregnant women, in the elderly and in immunocompromised patients. Arterial aneurysms due to this germ are rare. Only 16 cases have been previously described in the literature.


METHODS
We report the case of a patient who had been hospitalized for recurrent fever over the past 3 months. Aortic mycotic aneurysm was diagnosed; blood and aneurysm cultures revealed Gram-positive bacilli consistent with the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. We also review previous reports focusing on infections due to Listeria monocytogenes. Mycotic aneurysms due to this germ are mainly observed in elderly male patients and occur on large arteries. In the present study, only one patient was immunocompromised. Furthermore, all patients who were not operated on died.


CONCLUSIONS
Arterial aneurysm due to Listeria moncytogenes is best managed via surgical resection in combination with antimicrobial therapy. Immunosuppression is not necessary for the development of arterial aneurysm due to Listeria. Bacteriological and histological examinations should be done systematically when surgical resection of an aneurysm is required.
Paccalin
M
M
Service de médecine interne, hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
Amoura
Z
Z
Brocheriou
I
I
Hernigou
A
A
Delangle
M H
MH
Lecso Bornet
M
M
Godeau
P
P
Kieffer
E
E
Piette
J C
JC
D000368:Aged; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000601:surgery; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D013754:Tetracyclines / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013754:Tetracyclines; D004318:Doxycycline