Superior mesenteric artery mycotic aneurysm in patients with left ventricular assist device support and intravenous drug abuse

Abstract

Mycotic aneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is one of the complications associated with infective endocarditis. However, there are no previous case reports in the literature describing mycotic SMA aneurysm after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. We describe the case of a 31-year-old male diagnosed with congestive heart failure due to nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy who underwent LVAD implantation for bridge to heart transplantation. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was maintained on anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. There were no signs of pump failure or device-related infections. However, 7 months post-LVAD support, the patient complained of abdominal symptoms (nausea and vomiting) with low-grade fever. Computed tomography identified an aneurysmal change of the SMA (2.2 × 1.8 cm). There was no evidence of thrombus or septic vegetation inside the heart. Aneurysm and segmental small bowel resection was performed. Pathological study revealed typical findings of mycotic aneurysm with significant infiltration of inflammatory cells. The patient, however, expired due to concurrent brain hemorrhage. Postmortem study indicated no sign of pump thrombus or septic emboli inside the pump or inflow/outflow conduit. This case report presents a rare mycotic aneurysm that developed in the SMA after chronic LVAD support.