Escherichia coli infection of an abdominal aortic aneurysm

With the introduction of antibiotics and decrease in bacterial endocarditis mycotic aneurysms have become rare. Infection of a pre-existing aortic aneurysm is uncommon and Gram-negative organisms, especially Salmonellae, have been implicated in most of the cases reported. Infection usually follows episodes of bacteraemia. Escherichia coli infection has been reported as a rare causative agent. We describe a case of E. coli aortic aneurysm infection and discuss the problems associated with diagnosis and management.