Diagnostic imaging of Salmonella-related mycotic aneurysm of aorta by CT

The purpose of this study was to review the computed tomography (CT) appearance of mycotic aneurysm of the aorta caused by Salmonella infection. Eight patients were suggested to have mycotic aneurysm of the aorta by clinical presentation of fever, abdominal or back pain, leukocytosis, and pulsatile abdominal mass in addition to positive blood or tissue culture of salmonella. All underwent plain radiography, abdominal sonography, and CT for confirmation. Five patients died during hospitalization despite medical or surgical treatment. CT features of mycotic aneurysm of aorta included (a) hazy aortic wall with rupture; (b) gas-forming inflammation around the aneurysm; (c) retroperitoneal paraaortic fluid collection and vertebral erosion; and (d) thrombus formation within a false lumen after aneurysmal rupture. Because of its availability and noninvasiveness, CT is the major diagnostic modality to use for Salmonella-related mycotic aneurysm.