Infection involving stent grafts is an infrequent complication associated with high mortality rates. The clinical presentation is usually delayed and it may vary from nonspecific symptoms to severe complications such as pseudoaneurysm and aorto-enteric fistula. The diagnosis involves a high index of suspicion and investigation with imaging and laboratory exams. The treatment follows the precepts of graft infection in conventional surgery, and surgical excision is recommended for most patients, followed by in situ or extra-anatomic revascularization. Conservative treatment is reserved for selected cases.
Blood vessel prosthesis; infection; general surgery