Graft Infection Masquerading as Rheumatologic Disease: a Rare Case of Aortobifemoral Graft Infection Presenting as Hypertrophic Osteoarthropathy

Background Prosthetic vascular graft procedures are a common treatment modality for peripheral vascular disease. A relatively common complication is graft infection, occurring at a rate of 0.5–5%. When they occur, graft infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Vascular graft infections also represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for the physician Methods Here, we report a case where the rare finding of secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy was an important indication of underlying aortic graft infection that was initially misdiagnosed. A review of the literature revealed 34 cases of vascular graft infection associated with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Results The mean interval from surgery to time of infection was approximately 5 years. Mortality was 35%. When combined with hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, vascular graft infection was complicated by an aortoenteric fistula in 53% of the cases. Conclusion The complexity of this case highlights the challenges physicians face in order to diagnose and treat this condition.