Mycotic splenic artery aneurysm secondary to Coxiella burnetii endocarditis.

Mycotic artery aneurysms are rare but potentially lethal vascular lesions due to their high risk of rupture. Bacterial endocarditis as well as trauma and inadequate immunity are predisposing factors. Surgery remains the treatment of choice, although alternative methods have been used. We report the first known case of a 6 cm mycotic splenic artery aneurysm proximal to the splenic hilum, secondary to bacterial endocarditis from Coxiella burnetii. Resection of the aneurysm, splenectomy, and distal pancreatectomy were performed. In all patients with culture-negative endocarditis and mycotic aneurysm, C. burnetii infection should be ruled out. Copyright (c) 2010 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.