Introduction:

we present an unusual case with multiple aortic ruptures secondary to methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus thoracic spondylodiscitis.

Case report:

the patient was a 71-year-old man admitted to our hospital for scheduled study of an infectious spondylodiscitis D7-D8 refractory to empirical antibiotic therapy. Fifteen days after admission, the patient began with massive hematemesis. After being resuscitated from two cardiac arrests, an endoscopy was carried out in the operating room suggesting presence of a primary aortoenteric fistula and, at the same time, in a follow-up computed tomography an active bleeding in thoracic aorta was shown. We performed a diagnostic angiography; three different sites of rupture were observed and two covered endogfrats were placed for bleeding control of thoracic and abdominal aorta: one device in thoracic aorta (Gore C-TAG®) and another one in abdominal aorta (Aortic Begraft®).

Discussion:

aortitis is an uncommon complication of spondylodiscitis, with a high mortality rate. A high index of suspicion is key to its diagnosis and prompt treatment. Antibiotherapy is mandatory and endovascular treatment can be used as a bridge therapy in emergency, it is a fast procedure that can secure hemodynamical stabilization prior to definitive aortic open repair.

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