Work

Aortic pseudoaneurysm as a rare complication of purulent pericarditis: case report and literature review

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Purulent pericarditis has become rare in the antibiotic era, particularly when complicated by secondary infections such as an aortic pseudoaneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 46-year-old man who presented with persistent chest pain and cold sweats for three days. Imaging revealed a large pericardial effusion, and cultures grew methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA). The patient underwent partial pericardiectomy with delayed sternal closure and open irrigation. On day 23, he developed right shoulder pain, and imaging revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with bovine pericardial patch repair was performed. He survived and remained stable during a 13-month outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: Given the potential for fatal outcomes, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion and initiate prompt management, despite the rarity of this complication.

Source: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

DOI: 10.1186/s12872-025-05332-0

Authors: Chun-Yu Yueh, Ming-Li Li, Ching-Feng Wu

Institutions: China Medical University, China Medical University Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090