Understanding Infectious and Inflammatory Aortic Conditions
The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart through the chest and abdomen. Infections or inflammation affecting the aorta can weaken the vessel wall, disrupt blood flow and lead to life-threatening complications. These conditions require prompt diagnosis and specialized care from experienced cardiovascular teams.
Mycotic Aneurysms and Infected Aortic Grafts
A mycotic aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area of an artery caused by infection. When bacteria or other pathogens invade the aortic wall, the vessel can thin and lose its structural integrity, increasing the risk of rupture.
Mycotic aneurysms are often associated with previously placed aortic grafts, including those inserted during open or endovascular aortic surgery. Infection involving an aortic graft can spread to surrounding tissue and compromise blood flow.
Treatment typically involves intravenous antibiotics combined with surgery to remove infected tissue and repair or replace the affected portion of the aorta. Mycotic aneurysms are considered a medical emergency due to their high risk of rupture.
Aorto-enteric and Aorto-esophageal Fistulas
An aorto-enteric or aorto-esophageal fistula is an abnormal connection between the aorta and the intestinal tract or esophagus. These fistulas most commonly develop as a complication of infection, prior aortic surgery or a mycotic aneurysm.
Because the aorta carries blood under high pressure, a fistula can result in severe infection and sudden bleeding into the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include gastrointestinal bleeding, infection or signs of shock.
Aorto-enteric and aorto-esophageal fistulas are life-threatening medical emergencies that require immediate evaluation and surgical intervention.
Aortitis
Aortitis refers to inflammation of the aorta. Inflammatory damage can weaken the vessel wall, cause abnormal bulging (aneurysm formation) or lead to narrowing of the artery, restricting blood flow to vital organs.
Common causes of aortitis include autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, such as Takayasu arteritis. In some cases, infection may also contribute to inflammation of the aorta.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications to control inflammation, antibiotics if infection is present, and surgical or endovascular intervention when structural damage to the aorta occurs.
Benefit From World-Class Care at TGH
The multidisciplinary team at Tampa General Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute delivers comprehensive, personalized care for patients with cardiovascular conditions. We are proud to offer advanced treatment options for thoracic aortic aneurysms, including TEVAR. Recognized for excellence, TGH is ranked as a Top 50 in the Nation for Heart & Vascular Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.
As a leading academic health system, Tampa General collaborates with the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine on innovative research and groundbreaking clinical trials. We are also trusted to manage some of the nation’s most complex cardiac cases, all while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety and comfort.
If you would like to request a consultation with a specialist on our team, please contact us at (800) 844-3900 or email us at AorticDiseaseProgram@tgh.org.