UCLA

A 58-year-old woman with a history of Bentall aortic graft and bioprosthetic aortic valve replacement 3 months prior to admission, presented with headache and fever. Imaging yielded a large obstructive filling defect in the ascending aorta, a subarachnoid hemorrhage, and a mycotic aneurysm. Intraoperative specimens grew Aspergillus fumigatus, and despite aggressive measures the patient died. Aspergillus infections of prosthetic vascular grafts are rare surgical complications and are difficult to diagnose given the low incidence of positive microbiology cultures and the long median time between surgery and diagnosis. Treatment has consisted of antifungal and surgical treatment, although mortality remains high.