Salmonella-related mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial femoral artery.

INTRODUCTION

Mycotic pseudoaneurysms of native arteries are rare. Treatment involves arterial excision with or without revascularization.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 49-year-old diabetic man presented with a 4-month history of progressive left mid-thigh pain, associated with a pulsatile mass and fever. Clinically, he appeared to have a mycotic pseudoaneurysm, which was confirmed by computed tomography. The aneurysm was excluded from the circulation by an extra-anatomical bypass graft using autologous vein.

CONCLUSION

Native arterial mycotic pseudoaneurysms typically occur in immuno-compromised patients. They may be successfully treated using autologous vein bypass.

DISCUSSION

Arterial infection is associated with immunosuppressive states and Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated organism in mycotic aneurysms. Also, Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and anaerobic species have been identified. Salmonella species are associated with mycotic aneurysms in the abdominal aorta and the use of autogenous vein grafts is the standard treatment for this condition. In lower extremities, autogenous conduits have been already used with good results of patency and freedom from re-infection. Endovascular treatment is a feasible approach in these situations, but there is not reports regarding long term results and this treatment is occasionally associated with prosthesis infection.