Presence of periaortic gas in Clostridium septicum -infected aortic aneurysm aids in early diagnosis: a case report and systematic review of the literature

ConclusionsIn this patient,C. septicum was thought to have entered his blood through a gastrointestinal tumor, infected the aorta, and spread to his kidneys. However, we were uncertain whether there was an associated malignancy.A literature review ofC. septicum-related aneurysms revealed the following: 6-month mortality, 79.5%; periaortic gas present in 92.6% of cases; no standard operative procedure and no guidelines for antimicrobial administration established; andC. septicum was associated with cancer in 82.5% of cases.Thus, we advocate for early diagnosis via the identification of periaortic gas, as an aortic aneurysm progresses rapidly. To reduce the risk of reinfection as well as infection of other sites, there is the need for concurrent surgical management of the aneurysm and any associated malignancy. We recommend debridement of the infectious focus andin situ vascular graft with omental coverage. Postoperatively, orally administered antibiotics must be continued indefinitely (chronic suppression therapy).We believe that these treatments will decrease mortality due toC. septicum-infected aortic aneurysms.
Source: Journal of Medical Case Reports - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research