Mycotic aortic aneurysms after orthotopic heart transplantation: a three-case report and review of the literature

J Heart Lung Transplant. 1996 Aug;15(8):827-39.

Abstract

Mycotic aortic aneurysm is a rare yet life-threatening complication after orthotopic heart transplantation. This article reviews three cases of mycotic aortic aneurysm in heart transplant recipients developing in the first year after heart transplantation. Excision of the aneurysm and in situ reconstruction of the ascending aorta were performed with a patch of glutaraldehyde-fixed pericardium or cryopreserved aortic allograft material as a patch or conduit replacement. These cases show that early diagnosis by computed tomographic scanning, surgical treatment, high-dose parenteral antibiotics, and close follow-up are essential for successful treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, Infected / diagnosis
  • Aneurysm, Infected / etiology*
  • Aneurysm, Infected / surgery
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / etiology*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery
  • Candida albicans / isolation & purification
  • Candidiasis / diagnosis
  • Candidiasis / etiology*
  • Candidiasis / therapy
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / therapeutic use
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas Infections / diagnosis
  • Pseudomonas Infections / etiology*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / therapy
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnosis
  • Staphylococcal Infections / etiology*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / therapy
  • Staphylococcus aureus / isolation & purification
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents