Massive retroperitoneal aortoiliac aneurysm rupture revealing chronic Q fever

Abstract

Chronic Coxiella burnetii vascular infection is rare and usually develops on a pre-existing vascular lesion, such as an aneurysm or vascular prosthesis. We report a case of proven C. burnetii aortic infection revealed by a massive retroperitoneal aortoiliac aneurysm rupture in a patient at apparent low risk for chronic Q fever. Emergency treatment consisted of resection of the infected aneurysm and replacement with an in situ graft angioplasty. Doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine therapy was started postoperatively. After 6 months of follow-up, the patient had no signs of infection, and C. burnetii serologic antibody titers had significantly decreased.