A mycotic aneurysm is an aneurysm caused by infection, most commonly by bacteria during an episode of bacteremia or endocarditis. Despite the name, mycotic aneurysms are usually bacterial rather than fungal in origin. These aneurysms tend to involve smaller vessels in unusual locations compared to typical atherosclerotic aneurysms. On vascular ultrasound, a mycotic aneurysm appears as a focal outpouching or dilation of a vessel wall, often with turbulent flow on Doppler. The diagnosis is often made in the clinical context of fever, positive blood cultures, and imaging findings. Mycotic aneurysms are serious because they carry a high risk of rupture and require aggressive treatment with antibiotics and often surgical intervention.
Sonography Term