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Mycotic aneurysm of the femoral artery complicating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: a case report

Patrícia MS Carvalho*, Joana D Mota, Patricia GD Dias, Antonio OC da Mota and Jose JA de Moura

Author Affiliations

Serviço de Medicina II, Hospitais da Universidade Coimbra, Av. Bissaya Barreto e Praceta Prof. Mota Pinto, 3000-075, Coimbra, Portugal

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Cases Journal 2009, 2:9386 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-9386

Published: 22 December 2009

Abstract

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus is the major cause of bacteremia, with the potential for some complications, namely mycotic aneurysms, defined as irreversible dilatation of an artery due to destruction of the vessel wall by infection.

Case presentation

The authors present the case of a 52 year-old-Caucasian male, admitted with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and mycotic aneurysm of the right superficial femoral artery, associated with advanced atherosclerotic process.

Conclusion

Mycotic aneurysms are rare, and a high index of suspicion is needed, because appropriate treatment will certainly affect the outcome, as they are associated with high morbidity and mortality.