Infections of the aorta: case report and review of treatment.

Radiographic documentation of the rapid development of an aortic infection has not previously been reported. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman who presented with back pain. A computed tomographic(CT) scan documented a nondisplaced L1 compression fracture as well as an atherosclerotic but nonaneurysmal aorta. Two weeks after discharge, she developed left lower lobe pneumonia and was readmitted. A second CT scan was obtained because of continuous complaints of back pain. A contained rupture of the visceral aorta was now clearly visible. Emergent operation successfully repaired her aorta. The microorganisms responsible for aortic infection have changed since the widespread use of antibiotics. Patterns of aortic involvement have also evolved. The difficulty in making these diagnoses, the role of current antibiotic therapy, and the surgical options for these infections will be discussed.