The Korean Journal of Critical Care Medicine  2014;29(3):231-233

doi:10.4266/kjccm.2014.29.3.231

Mycotic Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch.

Ji Hye SEO 1 ; Dae Won PARK ; Won Suk CHOI

Affiliations

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Keywords

aortic arch; infected aneurysm; Staphylococcus aureus

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

A mycotic aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is rare. We report a case of mycotic aneurysm that developed in the aortic arch. An 86-year-old man was admitted with fever and general weakness. Blood culture yielded methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Chest X-ray showed an enlarged aortic arch, and computed tomography scan revealed an aneurysm in the aortic arch. The patient was treated only with antibiotics and not surgically. The size of the aneurysm increased rapidly, resulting in bronchial obstruction and superimposed pneumonia. The patient died of respiratory failure.