Brucellosis involving the aorta and iliac arteries: a single-center experience

PURPOSE: To summarize and describe the clinical characteristics of brucellosis (involving the aortic and iliac arteries) in patients admitted to our center over the past 10 years, and to review the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of brucellosis involving the aortic and iliac arteries. This may assist in optimizing clinical management strategies for the disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a single-institution observational case series study. The medical records of patients with a diagnosis of brucellosis at our center between January 2014 and January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) aged 18 years or older; (2) the lesion involved the aorta or iliac artery; and (3) patients were followed up for at least 1 month after discharge. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were enrolled in this study. Urgent endovascular repair for aneurysms was successfully administered to all patients. During a follow-up period ranging from 2 months to 7 years, the patients achieved an overall survival rate of 83.33% (20/24). There were 4 mortalities reported, with 2 patients succumbing to gastrointestinal hemorrhage, one to renal failure, and another to septic shock consequent to stent infection postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular aortic repair, in conjunction with targeted antimicrobial therapy against Brucella, may be a feasible method for treating brucellosis involving the aortic and iliac arteries.