Melioidosis mycotic aneurysm: An uncommon complication of an uncommon disease

Abstract

Melioidosis is often considered an exotic and uncommon disease in most parts of the world. However it is an endemic disease in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia with an expanding distribution. Melioidosis can involve almost any organ and can deteriorate rapidly. In this report, we describe a rapidly fatal case of a mycotic aneurysm associated with melioidosis despite aggressive antibiotic therapy. The morbidity and mortality of this uncommon complication remains high despite prompt diagnosis and treatment. Especially when treating persistent/recurrent melioidosis, the physician's caution to the development of mycotic aneurysms is imperative so that early treatment and surgical intervention may be considered.

Keywords

• Melioidosis
• Burkholderia pseudomallei
• Mycotic aneurysms