Presentation

A 63-year-old man with a recent history of thoracic aortic aneurysm repair and bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement developed persistent fever, fatigue, dyspnea, altered mental status and new aortic valve insufficiency approximately 2 months after surgery. Imaging revealed an intraluminal ascending aortic mass concerning thrombus or vegetation, prompting high-risk reoperation. 

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Author Information

Sintayehu G. Birhanu, SM(ASCP)CM, MLS(ASCPi)CM, Team Lead, Microbiology, Mayo Clinic Arizona.

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