Emphysematous Salmonella-Infected Aneurysm of the Aortic Arch: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Infected aortic aneurysm is a relatively rare disease with significant morbidity and mortality. Because of its deeper position, patients with infected aortic arch aneurysms may present with only fever and other vague symptoms, such as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, anorexia, and functional decline. It is difficult confirm a diagnosis that is based solely on history or physical examination, and it may only be apparent on imaging studies.

CASE REPORT: We present a brief case report of a patient presenting to the emergency department with unexplained fever who was diagnosed with emphysematous salmonella-infected aneurysm of the aortic arch. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Infected aortic arch aneurysm is an extremely unusual disease entity that emergency physicians encounter. Because of the high mortality and morbidity of this catastrophic disease, an infected aortic aneurysm should be considered as a possible diagnosis in patients with persistent fever and vague symptoms without a specific infection focus. To avoid delayed diagnosis, emergency physicians should be aware of infected aortic arch aneurysm.