Aspergillus Aortitis: A Case with Near-Complete Occlusion of the Brachial Artery and Large Ascending Aortic Mycotic Pseudoaneurysm in an Immunocompetent Patient

Aspergillus is a saprophytic, spore-forming ubiquitous fungus. Aspergillus exists in soil, water and decaying vegetation. Inhalation of the airborne conidia causes a multitude of diseases, ranging from asymptomatic colonization to disseminated infection [1]. Invasive Aspergillosis is an opportunistic infection that mostly affects immunocompromised patients. Invasive Aspergillosis can occur virtually in any organ. Aspergillus infection of the ascending aorta after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery has rarely been reported. Despite antifungal therapy and surgical intervention, Aspergillus aortitis can be fatal and carries a poor prognosis.