What is a mycotic aortic aneurysm?

Introduction. A mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA), synonymously known as infected aortic aneurysm, is an aortic aneurysm due to infection. Mycotic aortic aneurysm most commonly develops through microbial inoculation of the diseased aortic endothelium during bacteremia.

Why mycotic aneurysm are called mycotic?

Excerpt. A mycotic aneurysm is dilation of an arterial wall due to infection. The term “mycotic” was coined by Willaim Osler in his Gulstonian lectures, where he described a man with multiple aortic mycotic aneurysms in a patient with valve vegetations, which resembled the appearance of a fleshy fungus.

How do you treat mycotic aneurysms?

Treatment consists of antibiotic therapy combined with aggressive surgical debridement of the infected tissue and vascular reconstruction, as needed. Endovascular therapies may have a role in the treatment of ruptured infected aneurysm and the treatment of patients at prohibitive risk for open surgery.

Can you survive mycotic aneurysm?

In conclusion, the best chance of survival in patients with this difficult condition depends on early computed tomography evaluation and prompt surgical intervention under appropriate and intensive antibiotic therapy.

What does mycotic mean?

adjective. of, relating to, or caused by a fungus. GOOSES. GEESES.

Where does mycotic aneurysm occur?

A mycotic aneurysm is an infection of vessel wall which can be bacterial, fungal, or viral in origin; they are a rare but severe complication of systemic infection and atherosclerosis, which often presents multiple diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

What bacteria causes mycotic aneurysm?

Staphylococcus and Salmonella spp. are the two most commonly cultured organisms in mycotic aneurysms. However, improved bacteriologic techniques have led to the detection of anaerobic bacteria (mostly Bacteroides, and Clostridium spp.)

How is a mycotic aneurysm diagnosed?

Lab tests that will confirm the diagnosis of mycotic aneurysm are positive blood cultures (bacterial + fungal) in conjuction with imaging tests and physical exam that suspect the diagnosis. A negative blood culture does not rule out mycotic aneurysm!

How does a mycotic aneurysm form?

Mycotic aneurysms are aneurysms arising from infection of the arterial wall, usually bacterial. It is a complication of the haematogenous spread of bacterial infection, classically from the heart.

What is mycosis give an example?

Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is disease caused by fungi. Different types are traditionally divided according to the part of the body affected; superficial, subcutaneous, and systemic.

How is mycosis spread?

In the right circumstances the fungi enter the body via the lungs, through the gut, paranasal sinuses or skin. The fungi can then spread via the bloodstream to multiple organs including the skin, often causing multiple organs to fail and eventually resulting in the death of the patient.

How common are mycotic aneurysms?

Mycotic aneurysm of the aorta accounts for 0.7% to 1.3% of all surgically treated aneurysms and its incidence in the aortic arch is less frequent. The prevalence of infected cerebral aneurysms is 0.7%-4% of all patients with cerebral aneurysms.