Infected abdominal aortic aneurysms.

We report five cases of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm managed at the St. Thomas Hospital between 1975 and 1985. Two patients died, one before operation, and another during surgical repair of aneurysmal rupture. Three patients survived, all of whom had primary repair of the aorta or in situ Dacron graft reconstruction. One patient is still living nine years after operation. The availability of organism-specific antibiotic agents has enabled us to use the in situ reconstruction method to successfully manage these patients without increased morbidity or mortality from recurrent infection. A high index of suspicion, prompt surgical resection, and aggressive specific antibiotic therapy are necessary for patient survival.