Fluoroquinolone therapy has been associated with an increased risk for aortic aneurysm or dissection.
Patient selection: history of therapy with fluoroquinolone antibiotic, oral or parenteral
Risk factors for aortic complication:
(1) history of arterial blockage (? arteriosclerosis)
(2) history of aneurysm of the aorta or other major arteries
(3) high blood pressure
(4) elderly
(5) hereditary defects in connective tissue (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, other)
The FDA recommends that an alternative antibiotic be used if possible when a patient has any of the risk factors for an aortic aneurysm or dissection.
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Specialty: Cardiology, Toxicology
