Dorsalis Pedis Artery Aneurysm Developed after Sepsis: A Case Report

Abstract

Herein, we report an extremely rare case of dorsalis pedis artery aneurysm, which developed after sepsis. A 48-year-old male with untreated atopic dermatitis was presented to our facility suffering from sepsis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and further complicated by a spinal epidural abscess and an infected spondylitis. Although some time was required, the infection was successfully treated by draining the abscess and having the patient complete a two-month course of antibiotics. Two months later, the patient noticed a pulsatile tumor on the dorsal part of his left foot. Ultrasound sonography revealed a saccular aneurysm on the dorsalis pedis artery prompting the aneurysm’s resection, and the dorsalis artery’s reconstruction by direct anastomosis. A pathologic examination of the aneurysmal wall confirmed that the aneurysm had been a pseudoaneurysm and that there had been no inflammation or infection. As the patient had no history of trauma or injury to the dorsalis pedis artery, we concluded that the aneurysm had been an infective aneurysm that had developed due to sepsis.