Perigraft abscess after DeBakey type-1 aortic dissection: a case report

Abstract

Background Perigraft abscess is a rare condition which constitutes a small proportion of aortic graft infection (AGI), early diagnosis is very important for timely intervention and improving the survival rate of patients because of its significant morbidity and mortality. Case presentation A 24-year-old young male patient with a history of complicated total arch replacement using the elephant trunk technique for acute DeBakey type-1 aortic dissection 6 months before visited our hospital with the chief complaint of persistent fever. Antibiotic treatment in local hospital was ineffective. Echocardiography showed liquid dark area around the aortic graft, and a computerized tomography angiography (CTA) was done for further evaluation of periaortic fluid collection which showed findings to suggest perigraft abscess. The patient underwent surgical debridement of the abscess and was found to have an abscess around the aortic graft which was drained followed by antibiotic treatment. The patient was discharged to his local hospital and recovered well at 2 month follow-up appointment. Conclusion This is a very rare case of aortic abscess around the graft that could successfully be managed by graft-conserving surgery, and it emphasizes the significance of early diagnosis of perigraft abscess in patients with aortic dissection surgery.