Mycotic aneurysm: a rare complication of vertebral osteomyelitis.
We report the case of a 49-year-old man that presented with persistent low back pain after being treated for vertebral osteomyelitis. An abdominopelvic CT scan with intravenous contrast showed a mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. The patient was taken to the operating room where a bypass reconstruction surgery was successfully performed. The history, pathophysiology, most common organisms, risk factors, and clinical presentation of mycotic aneurysms are discussed. The importance of a high index of suspicion for prompt and proper diagnosis and treatment, is emphasized to create awareness about this dreadful complication of vertebral osteomyelitis.
Internal Medicine Department, San Juan City Hospital, P.R.
María C
MC
Betancourt
Raysa
R
Mena
Miguel
M
Colón
D000785:Aneurysm, Infected / Q000209:etiology*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000150:complications*; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications*