Young patient with aortoduodenal fistula post-tumour resection and aortic graft reconstruction in childhood: a case report

Aortic graft infection is a rare but threatening condition. Early recognition is important but might be challenging. A 25-year-old woman presented with Osler nodes, malaise, fever and multifocal osteomyelitis. Her medical history included a ganglioneuroma resection during her childhood, with aortic reconstruction. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan revealed an aortic graft infection. After 2 years of conservative treatment, the patient developed an aorto-enteric fistula, undergoing surgical intervention: graft removal and axillary-femoral bypass. At 20 months follow-up, she remains free of bacteremia. Therefore, graft infection should be considered even many years post aortic reconstruction. Individualized treatment can promote favourable outcomes.