Endovascular repair of aortic rupture due to Brucella aortitis

• Published in: VASA Vol. 40; no. 2; p. 150
• Main Authors: Benedetto, F, Lentini, S, Passari, G, Stilo, F, De Caridi, G, Cascio, A, Spinelli, F
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.03.2011
• Subjects: Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents - therapeutic use; Aortic Rupture - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Rupture - microbiology; Aortic Rupture - surgery; Aortitis - diagnostic imaging; Aortitis - microbiology; Aortitis - surgery; Aortography - methods; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Brucella melitensis - isolation & purification; Brucellosis - complications; Brucellosis - diagnosis; Brucellosis - microbiology; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Spondylitis - complications; Spondylitis - diagnosis; Spondylitis - microbiology; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0301-1526
• DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a000086

Brucellosis is a zoonosis, caused by bacteria belonging to the genus Brucella. Aortic involvement is a rare complication, often following embolization from infective endocarditis. However, contiguous propagation from vertebral involvement may occur. We report the case of an 81 year old patient abruptly presenting with aortic rupture due to Brucella melitensis infection. The diagnosis of aortic rupture was made by CT. The patient underwent urgent endovascular treatment using endoprosthesis deployment in the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. Long term antibiotic treatment was given. Resolution of the acute event was obtained without further surgical treatment. 18 months after endovascular treatment, the patient remains in good health.