Infected Aortic Grafts

What are Infected Aortic Grafts?

Aortic graft infections are infections of synthetic material that were placed to repair aneurysms or blockages in the artery. If untreated, these infections can be life-threatening.

Causes

The infections are caused by bacteria, most frequently the staphylococcus groups of bacteria.

Risk Factors

The main risk factor is the presence of a synthetic graft. These infections occur very rarely.

What are the Symptoms?

• Enlargement of groin wound
• Drainage from groin wound
• Fever
• High white-blood cell count
• Bloodstream infection
• Infected wound
• Abdominal pain
• Bleeding at the site of the graft repair
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

How are Infected Aortic Grafts Diagnosed?

• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: X-ray slices of the aortic artery are taken to check for changes at the site of the graft that suggest infection.
• Chest X-ray: Electromagnetic energy produces pictures of structures in the chest, including the arteries, to search for signs of infection.
• White Blood Cell scans: These scans can help localize sites of infection.

Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center

• Graft replacement: The most common treatment is replacing the infected graft with a new graft.
• Medication: Along with a graft replacement, patients may also receive medication, such as antibiotics, to treat the infected graft.