Mycotic coronary aneurysms

Abstract

: Mycotic coronary aneurysm is a rare infective disease of arterial vessel walls. Their development could be linked to the presence of an infective endocarditis or could represent a primary infection at the site of an implanted intracoronary stent. Bacterial agents, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, are the most common etiological agents. Due to an aspecific clinical presentation and examination, diagnosis could be challenging. Multiple imaging techniques (both invasive and noninvasive) are often required to reach the final diagnosis. Prognosis is characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates and, in fact, a tempestive treatment is required, although, to date, scanty data concerning the optimal treatment choice are present in literature.