Ruptured Mycotic Aortic Aneurysm Secondary to Escherichia Coli Bacteremia in an HIV-Positive Patient

Mycotic aortic aneurysms are an aggressive form of degenerative remodeling reported more commonly in immunosuppressed patients. These aneurysms carry a high risk of progression to rupture, fulminant sepsis, and death, and therefore require prompt operative intervention. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has also been associated with a broad spectrum of vascular disease, including development of aneurysms, however these have typically been identified in the peripheral vasculature. We report the case of a 71-year-old, HIV-positive male who presented with Escherichia coli bacteremia and aortitis which rapidly progressed to a ruptured infrarenal mycotic aortic aneurysm. He was managed successfully with open debridement and in situ implantation of a rifampin-soaked prosthetic graft as well as long-term antibiotic therapy. Here, we review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and optimal surgical treatment of mycotic aortic aneurysms.