Abstract
We describe the case of a patient with a culture-proven infection of the ascending aorta caused by Legionella pneumophila 16 months after cardiac transplantation. Serology follow-up and surveillance culture of the hospital water supply suggested a nosocomial acquisition of the infection during the post-transplantation period. The diagnosis was made after 5 months of recurrent unexplained febrile episodes. A Teflon ring implanted around the aortic suture line during the intervention may have contributed to the unusual localization of the infection. The patient was successfully treated with antibiotics and aortic reconstruction.
Publication types
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Case Reports
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
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Aorta / surgery
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Aortitis / drug therapy
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Aortitis / etiology*
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Aortitis / surgery
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Cross Infection / drug therapy
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Cross Infection / etiology*
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Graft Rejection / prevention & control
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Heart Transplantation / adverse effects*
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Humans
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Immunosuppressive Agents / administration & dosage
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Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
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Legionella pneumophila* / isolation & purification
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Legionnaires' Disease / drug therapy
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Legionnaires' Disease / etiology*
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Legionnaires' Disease / surgery
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
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Water Microbiology*
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Water Supply / analysis
Substances
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Anti-Bacterial Agents
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Immunosuppressive Agents