ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Vascular Department, Townsville University Hospital - QLD, Australia
Introduction
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) carries a mortality rate approaching 80%, with outcomes further compromised by infection. Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is a rare but recognized pathogen in mycotic aneurysms, particularly in endemic regions such as northern Australia. This study describes the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with B. pseudomallei-associated ruptured AAA at a regional Australian center.
Methods
All patients undergoing open or endovascular AAA repair between May 1, 2021, and May 1, 2025, were retrospectively reviewed using the Australian Vascular Audit (AVA) and institutional electronic medical records. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities (ischemic heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, end-stage renal failure, and smoking), aneurysm characteristics (location and diameter), type of repair, ASA grade, and device used.
Results
A total of 148 AAA repairs were performed (15 open, 133 endovascular). Six cases (4.1%) involved ruptured, infected aneurysms; five were associated with B. pseudomallei. All five patients underwent emergency endovascular repair. Comorbidities included renal disease and IHD in one patient; hypertension or smoking in three (60%); and diabetes in two (40%). Aneurysm sizes ranged from 27 mm to 60 mm, predominantly involving the abdominal and aortoiliac segments; no isolated iliac disease was observed. Two patients died: one within 30 days and the other within 12 months, due to gastrointestinal and cardiac complications, respectively.
Conclusion
B. pseudomallei-infected ruptured AAAs are rare but consistently present as surgical emergencies in high-risk patients. Despite the small sample, this series underscores the importance of early recognition and expedited intervention in endemic settings. Further multicenter research is warranted to guide long-term antimicrobial and operative strategies for infected aneurysms.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr David Sun - , Dr Oh Sung Choy -