Published online Jun 30, 2009.
https://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2009.41.3.205
A Case of Aortic Aneurysm Rupture Infected by Clostridium septicum in a Patient with Colon Cancer
Abstract
Infected aortic aneurysm a life-threatening disease entity. Clostridium septicum is a very rare pathogen of infected aneurysms that carries a high mortality rate and demonstrates a strong association with an derlying colonic or hematologic neoplasm. Herein, we report a case of ruptured aortic aneurysm infected by C. septicum in a patient with colon cancer. This is the first reported case of infected aneurysm caused by C. septicum in Korea. Early diagnosis, appropriate antibiotic therapy, and prompt surgical interventions are required considering the rapid downhill progression of C. septicum-induced infected aneurysm.
Figure 1
A) Chest X-ray on admission shows patchy and band-like increased densities in left lung. Pleural effusion is noted in both lower hemithoraces. B) Chest X-ray taken on 5th hospital day shows new opacity in the left para-aortic arch level.
Figure 2
A) Abdomen and pelvis CT shows encircling enhancing wall thickening at mid-ascending colon with pericolic fat infiltration and multiple small regional lymph nodes. B) A total colonofiberscopy shows large encircling mass at mid to distal ascending colon, suggestive of colon cancer.
Figure 3
A) Chest CT scan shows poorly defined soft tissue densities in superior mediastinum, B) Focal aortic dilation at aortic arch level with numerous intramural air densities is seen.
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