Mycotic aneurysm of the aorta: MRI and MRA features

Abstract

Mycotic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta are potentially fatal but uncommon. We report the MRI and MRA features of an abdominal aortic mycotic aneurysm in a patient who presented with nonspecific low back pain. By delineating the saccular nature of the aneurysm and identifying the coexistence of vertebral enhancement, MRI was crucial for the final diagnosis. A potential pitfall of contrast-enhanced MRA is also demonstrated.

Management of aortic aneurysm infected with Salmonella

“…The diagnosis was made following clinical evidence of infection (fever and raised white cell count) and the presence of periaortic soft tissue infiltration on CT 8 (Fig. 1) or MRI 9 . Infected aortic aneurysm was defined as aortic dilatation with a diameter greater than 150 per cent of normal; this corresponded to more than 3 cm in the abdominal aorta.…”

Infected Aneurysm

“…33) Angiography, while not necessary in all cases, is useful in defining the accurate location and shape of the aneurysm, especially in the splanchnic artery aneurysm. 34) More importantly, involvement of the visceral vessels is determined providing essential preoperative data for planning the appropriate form of reconstruction. It is important to note that the operative findings, namely infection and suppuration of the periaortic tis-sues, remain the ultimate diagnostic criteria even in the absence of positive cultures or classic imaging findings.…”

Infected Aneurysm: Current Management

“…12) Recently, positron-emission tomography (PET)-CT scan (Fig. 6) was applied in the diagnosis of infected aortic aneurysm.…”