A Decade of the GSTT Aortic Infection Programme: A Description of a Clinical Management Algorithm by a Multidisciplinary Team
<b>Background/Objectives</b>: The management of mycotic aortic aneurysm and aortic graft infection is complex, and the pathology is rare. Over the past decade, we have developed a high-volume multidisciplinary service and comprehensive management algorithm. We intend to report on our experience and management strategy. <b>Methods</b>: We have examined the different aspects of the service, how it was developed, the standardisation of management, and its impact on consistent decision-making. <b>Discussion</b>: Low-volume, high-complexity pathologies are challenging and infrequently reported in the literature. The growth of our service and experience has improved outcomes and allowed for timely and consistent decision-making. We believe a central, multidisciplinary, standardised approach allows for prospective data collection and analysis. Although mycotic aortic aneurysm and aortic graft infection are discrete pathologies, our management algorithm and dedicated aortic infection service provides a comprehensive management strategy for both conditions. <b>Conclusions</b>: A comprehensive management algorithm has not previously been described by a tertiary centre. We have demonstrated that a unique multidisciplinary clinical approach and dedicated specialist service following a standardised management algorithm delivers superior patient outcomes. Whilst our basic management algorithm has remained largely intact over the years, we anticipate change in the future based upon emerging high-quality evidence and our own experience.
Authors
- Thomas A. Richards (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9692-0973)
- Carolyn Hemsley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0558-3984)
- Nicholas Price (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7573-3709)
- Morad Sallam
Institutions
- Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust (GB)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Clinical Medicine
- Published
- 2026-02-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15051754
- Primary Topic
- Infectious Aortic and Vascular Conditions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00