• S Powell and A Rijhsinghani.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242-1080, USA.
• J Reprod Med. 1997 Jul 1; 42 (7): 455-8.

BackgroundRupture of a documented infectious cerebral aneurysm is a rare complication of infectious endocarditis, with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The only previously reported case was associated with maternal and neonatal mortality. No known report exists of a ruptured bacterial intracranial aneurysm complicating an ongoing pregnancy with maternal or fetal survival.CaseA 38-year-old, white woman, gravida 9, para 4, at 18 weeks' gestation, developed infectious endocarditis with peripheral and cerebral emboli secondary to intravenous drug abuse, causing renal failure and cortical strokes. She required hemodialysis and also suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage due to rupture of cerebral bacterial aneurysms. A team approach to her care was necessary. At 28 weeks' gestation she delivered by cesarean section for abruptio placentae. Both the mother and neonate recovered.ConclusionRupture of mycotic aneurysms can be catastrophic and is often managed surgically. The patient described here was severely affected, and though indicated, surgical intervention was not possible. An aggressive team approach provided a good maternal and fetal outcome.

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