MYCOTIC ANEURYSMS

Abstract

Mycotic aneurysms are relatively infrequent but their marked propensity for rupture demands early recognition and prompt therapy if the patient is to survive. The nonspecific clinical findings make the diagnosis difficult. Any mass associated with evidence of present or past infection should be suspect. Angiography will almost always delineate the aneurysms. Treatment consists of intense, appropriate antibiotic therapy, excision of the aneurysm and re-establishment of blood vessel continuity where essential.