[Vascular manifestations due to Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus infection: report of two cases].

INTRODUCTION

Campylobacter fetus is a rare Gram-negative bacteria affecting especially elderly and immunocompromised patients, and that is responsible of vascular and cutaneous involvement.

OBSERVATIONS: We report two cases of C. fetus infection in two diabetic male patients, aged 75 and 85 years. The first patient was admitted for chronic fever. First-line examinations were inconclusive. Combined positron emission tomography and computed imaging tomography (PET-CT) diagnosed an infection of a previously operated popliteal aneurysm. The patient underwent surgery, and per-operative samples were positive for C. fetus. The second patient was admitted for a leg cellulitis. Blood cultures were positive for C. fetus. PET-CT found a septic superficial thrombophlebitis. The outcome was favorable for both patients with prolonged antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Vascular involvement should be suspected in the presence of C. fetus infections. PET-CT may be useful, as other imaging modalities are not always contributive.