title: Mycotic aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery: a delayed complication from a neglected septic embolus-a case report.
abstract: Mycotic aneurysm formation in a visceral artery carries a significant risk of mortality and morbidity. The authors present a case of a symptomatic superior mesenteric artery aneurysm secondary to a septic embolus in a patient who had undergone aortic valve replacement. The patient initially presented with evidence of acute intestinal ischemia from a presumed embolic source. Although an extensive bowel resection was performed, an adequate search for the embolus was not carried out. Prompt diagnosis and removal of suspected septic emboli must be performed to avoid the formation of delayed mycotic aneurysms.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Javid
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belkin
authors.forename: David K W
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Chew
mesh_terms: D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000209:etiology*; D004617:Embolism / Q000209:etiology*; D004696:Endocarditis / Q000209:etiology; D019918:Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000098:blood supply; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors; D017538:Mesenteric Artery, Superior; D008641:Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures