Thoracic Aorta and Graft Infections

Thoracic aortic disease has been an underappreciated major cause of death and represents a rapidly growing indication for cardiovascular surgery. In a recent study of patients succumbing to sudden cardiac death in Japan where all victims underwent autopsy and computed tomography (CT), acute aortic dissection accounted for over 8% of deaths. With the advent of antimicrobial therapy, safer food preparation practices, and improved understanding of sexually transmitted disease, native aortic infections leading to aortitis and associated aneurysms are rare. On the other hand, as surgical techniques and the development of endovascular devices have improved aortic repair, more patients with prosthetic devices are vulnerable to blood borne and contiguous device infections.