Superior vena cava syndrome caused by Aerococcus viridans para-aortic abscess after heart transplantation

Transplantation. 2002 Nov 27;74(10):1475-6. doi: 10.1097/00007890-200211270-00023.

Abstract

Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is usually caused by extrinsic compression by malignant tumors, but para-aortic abscess can be responsible for this syndrome. We report a case of SVC syndrome caused by para-aortic abscess caused by Aerococcus viridans infection in a man who received orthotopic heart transplantation. A. viridans is a common saprophytic organism in hospital environments. There are reports of this organism being the cause of endocarditis, but no reports of it as the cause of a para-aortic abscess. This is a first report of A. viridans infection in organ transplant patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / complications*
  • Aortic Diseases / complications*
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / complications*
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Streptococcaceae / isolation & purification*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / etiology*