Salmonella infection of a ventricular aneurysm.

Abstract

We describe a diagnostically challenging case of infection due to a species of Salmonella in a ventricular aneurysm. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, gallium 67 scanning, and cardiac gated magnetic resonance imaging were required to make the diagnosis. Antimicrobial therapy alone was insufficient and included intravenously administered ciprofloxacin, which has been reported to be effective in refractory cases of salmonella bacteremia. The diagnosis was confirmed at surgery, which was required to achieve clinical cure. Among six previously reported cases, only one individual survived.