[Wound infection after carotid artery endarterectomy caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: case report].

INTRODUCTION: Carotid endarterectomy is a safe and reliable surgical procedure to treat the narrowing of the internal carotid artery greater than 70%. One of the most serious complications of surgical wound after endarterectomy is an infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which is accompanied with high morbidity and mortality.

CASE OUTLINE: A 62-year-old woman developed a graft infection caused by MRSA after a carotid endarterectomy with synthetic graft placement. Two years after unsuccessful antibiotic and local wound treatment, we replaced the infected graft by an autologous saphenous vein conduit.

CONCLUSION: The case suggests that only by aggressive surgical approach with replacement of infected graft a successful outcome can be achieved in such a rare but potentially fatal post-operative complication.