Back to Conditions and TreatmentInfectious (Mycotic) Aortitis
What is Infectious Aortitis?
Infectious or mycotic aortitis is an infection in the wall of the aorta — the body's largest artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body — caused by bacteria, most often Staphylococcus, Streptococcal or Salmonella. "Mycotic" is an old-fashoned word for "infectious."
Causes
The main cause cause of infectious aortitis is bacteria in the bloodstream.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for infectious aortitis are unknown, though patients with gallbladder disease, tooth abscesses and other bacterial infections may get infectious aortitis. This infection, fortunately, is uncommon.
What are the Symptoms?
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
How is Infectious Aortitis Diagnosed?
- Chest X-ray: Electromagnetic energy produces pictures of the structures in the chest, including the arteries.
- Angiography: A dye is inserted into the arteries through a catheter, then an X-ray is taken to show how blood flows through the arteries and whether any aneurysms are present.
- Electrocardiogram: Searches for any damage to the heart by measuring electrical activity, how the heart beats and the location and positioning of the heart's chambers.
- Blood tests: The tests will search for the presence of inflammation and the presence of proteins that make antibodies (which fight off viruses and bacteria).
- Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography: X-ray slices of the arteries are taken to determine if there are any areas with poor blood flow or narrow arteries. A contrast agent — similar to a dye — is injected to make it easier to see the aorta.
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Radio waves and magnetic fields are used to show areas of poor blood flow. To do this, a patient is injected with a contrast material — similar to a dye — to make blood vessels more visible.
Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center
Antibiotics are used to control the infection. Surgical removal of the infected aorta is performed and arterial reconstruction is done to maintain blood flow.