Case reports   

International Angiology 2008 October;27(5):439-41

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Infected false aneurysm caused by hematogenous dissemination of Staphylococcus aureus after the use of vaginal tampons

Sedivy P. ¹, Sebesta P. ¹, Trejbalová E. ², Henysová J. ³

¹ Department of Vascular Surgery, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic 2 Department of Gynecology, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic 3 Department of Clinical Microbiology, Antibiotic Station, Na Homolce Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic

The use of vaginal tampons during menstruation may be associated with the proliferation of bacteria on their uneven surface, unless the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer are followed. A healthy young woman presented with a false aneurysm of infectious origin, caused by Staphylococcus aureus, in connection with the use of vaginal tampons. The aneurysm manifested after the menstruation when tampons were used and during which the patient experienced an untreated feverish epizode. Vaginal colonies of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are present in nearly 40% of healthy menstruating women. Staphylococcal septicemia with the subsequent appearance of an arterial infected false aneurysm in a formerly healthy woman has not yet been described in relation to the use of vaginal tampons.