bacterial aortitis

Q: Which organism is most common in bacterial aortitis? 



 Answer: Salmonella 

Salmonella counts for about one-third of all bacterial aortitis. Unfortunately, about 5% of Salmonella infections become bacteremic, and they have a high tendency to adhere to damaged tissues particularly atherosclerotic vascular endothelium. Persisting fever or abdominal pain after salmonella infection should raise the concern for bacterial aortitis especially in smokers and male above the age of 50. Blood cultures are usually positive. Surgical repair is usually required.

Very interestingly, patients who are on chronic anti-acidity drugs like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have an increased risk of Salmonella bacteremia.

#surgical-critical-care
#infectious-diseases


References:

1. Oskoui R, Davis WA, Gomes MN (1993) Salmonella aortitis. Arch Intern Med 153:517–525. Barlow, G. D., & Green, S. T. (1999). 

2. A patient with fever and an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Postgraduate medical journal, 75(886), 479–480. doi:10.1136/pgmj.75.886.479