Non-infective high fever after replacement of thoracic aorta using collagen-impregnated Dacron prosthesis.

We present three patients who were complained of a high fever without infective signs clinically and bacteriologically after the implantation of a woven Dacron prosthesis impregnated with collagen for thoracic aortic aneurysm. High fever appeared on the third on fourth day after surgery, and continued for three to seven days. The maximum fever ranged 39.1 to 39.9 degrees C. There was a close relationship between the value of C-reactive protein and the duration of a high fever. There were no differences between patients with and without a high fever in white blood cell counts, and other hematological and biochemical examinations. Non-infective high fever may be encountered in the postoperative acute phase following the implantation of a Hemashield prosthesis.