title: Septic embolism in the intensive care unit.
abstract: Septic embolism encompasses a wide range of presentations and clinical considerations. From asymptomatic, incidental finding on advanced imaging to devastating cardiovascular or cerebral events, this important clinico-pathologic entity continues to affect critically ill patients. Septic emboli are challenging because they represent two insults-the early embolic/ischemic insult due to vascular occlusion and the infectious insult from a deep-seated nidus of infection frequently not amenable to adequate source control. Mycotic aneurysms and intravascular or end-organ abscesses can occur. The diagnosis of septic embolism should be considered in any patient with certain risk factors including bacterial endocarditis or infected intravascular devices. Treatment consists of long-term antibiotics and source control when possible. This manuscript provides a much-needed synopsis of the different forms and clinical presentations of septic embolism, basic diagnostic considerations, general clinical approaches, and an overview of potential complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Burns, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Stanislaw P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Stawicki
authors.forename: Michael S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Firstenberg
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Lyaker
authors.forename: Sarah B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Sergio D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Bergese
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Papadimos
keywords: Complications; diagnosis and management; septic embolism; system-based approach