Mycotic aneurysm of common carotid artery induced by Staphylococcus aureus infection after cervical reoperation.

The objective of this study was to define a novel type of mycotic aneurysm of the carotid artery arising after cervical reoperation. We retrospectively analyzed all staphylococcal mycotic aneurysms of the common carotid artery. These aneurysms had developed after reoperative thyroid or parathyroid surgery, including resection of the central lymph node compartment and cervical reexploration. Mycotic aneurysms were found in three patients, with an incidence of 0.77% (2/261) and 0.62% (1/161) for thyroid and parathyroid reoperations, respectively. Postoperatively, a lymphatic fistula and cervical hematoma emerged in all patients, as did cervical wound infections on days 3, 4, and 6. Deep wound infections were noted on surgical revision. Cultures grew exclusively Staphylococcus aureus, which was resistant to methicillin (MRSA) in one patient. Mycotic aneurysms were identified 1 week after cervical reoperation. One aneurysm was discovered incidentally on planned lavage. The other two aneurysms presented as severe arterial hemorrhages, resulting in exsanguination in one patient. The other two patients had their aneurysms replaced by saphenous venous autografts. There seems to be accelerated arterial media destruction with formation of mycotic aneurysms in staphylococcal wound infections after cervical reoperation. It is important to recognize this novel type of mycotic aneurysm, as it must be repaired immediately to anticipate imminent rupture.