Late onset of Aspergillus aortitis presenting as femoral artery embolism following coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Abstract

Aspergillus sp. are ubiquitous mould infections and in most patients, the source is presumed to be air-borne infections during surgical procedures. Prevention of these infections requires special attention of ventilation systems in operating rooms. Post-operative aspergillosis occurs mainly in immunocompromised patients as well as those who receive corticosteroids temporarily. We report a case of a 71-year-old immunocompromised patient who developed multiple lower limb embolisms due to Aspergillus niger originating from an aortitis of the ascending aorta nine months following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.