Aneurysm contents as a source of graft infection
R. D. Williams and F. W. Fisher
During the past 5 1/2 years, cultures were taken from 68 to 151 surgically
treated aortic aneurysms. These cultures were made from nonblood fluids,
laminated clot, necrotic areas of the aneurysm wall, or ulcerated
atheromatous plaques. Organisms were harvested from seven of the 68
cultures, including Staphylococcus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, and
hemolytic Streptococcus. Prophylactic antibiotics were used in all
patients; however, the organisms cultured, excepting Streptococcus, were
not sensitive to the chosen antibiotics. Three of the seven patients with a
positive aneurysm culture died of causes unrelated to infection. Evidence
of graft infection has not developed in four surviving patients with
positive cultures. Knowledge of the presence of bacteria permitted massive
antibiotic therapy based on organism sensitivity.
