Ruptured mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta.
A 68-year-old man being treated for a Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia developed hemoptysis. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) and computed tomographic (CT) scan showed a large descending thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysm. The patient died before surgical intervention could be performed. Pathological examination revealed the presence of a saccular pseudoaneurysm originating from a mural defect at the site of an ulcerated atherosclerotic plaque. There was rupture into the mediastinum with contained hematoma. Microscopic examination documented numerous Gram-positive bacterial cocci at the rupture site.
Division of Cardiology, University of Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada.
Michael
M
Froeschl
Allan
A
Wolfsohn
Luc M
LM
Beauchesne
D000368:Aged; D017541:Aneurysm, False / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000473:pathology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus