Gonococcal ascending aortitis with penetrating ulcers and intraluminal thrombus.

Woo, J Susie; Rabkin, David G; Mokadam, Nahush A; Rendi, Mara H; Aldea, Gabriel S · Ann Thorac Surg · 2011

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Neisseria gonorrhoeae is an uncommon pathogen causing bacterial aortitis. We describe a patient with a bicuspid aortic valve and known ascending aortic aneurysm who presented with fever and chest pain. Imaging demonstrated complex penetrating ulcers in the proximal ascending aorta. The patient underwent a modified Bentall procedure, resection of the ulcers, and ascending aortic reconstruction. Pathologic examination and culture of the aortic specimens revealed the infectious cause.

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