Mycotic aneurysm of the femoral artery complicating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause of bacteremia, with the potential for some complications, namely mycotic aneurysms, defined as irreversible dilatation of an artery due to destruction of the vessel wall by infection.


METHODS
The authors present the case of a 52 year-old-Caucasian male, admitted with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and mycotic aneurysm of the right superficial femoral artery, associated with advanced atherosclerotic process.


CONCLUSIONS
Mycotic aneurysms are rare, and a high index of suspicion is needed, because appropriate treatment will certainly affect the outcome, as they are associated with high morbidity and mortality.
Carvalho
Patrícia Margarida Serra
PM
Serviço de Medicina II, Hospitais da Universidade Coimbra, Av. Bissaya Barreto e Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal.
Mota
Joana Decq
JD
Dias
Patricia Gloria Dinis
PG
da Mota
Antonio Oscar Carmona
AO
de Moura
Jose Julio Alves
JJ