Aortic root abscess

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An aortic root abscess is a serious complication of infective endocarditis.

Radiographic features

General

Abscesses tend to be saccular in shape, range from 1 to 3 cm in diameter. Depending on sinus of origin, extended beneath the main and right pulmonary arteries or into the interventricular septum or mitral annulus.

CT / CT angiography

May show a markedly thickened area around the aortic root. Locules of gas may additionally be present in some cases.

Nuclear medicine

Hybrid imaging with Gallium-67 SPECT may complement workup .

Complications

Fistulation into the mitral annulus