A vascular infection is an infection in your arteries or veins. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
Vascular infections usually happen after vascular surgery, and can appear months or even years after the surgery. They can also happen when a serious infection somewhere else in your body moves into your bloodstream.
Symptoms
Vascular infections often cause discharge from the site of surgery. They may also cause flu-like symptoms like chills, muscle aches, a fever, and pain.
Treatment
Many vascular infections can be treated with antibiotics. If the infection happens after an artery or vein has been replaced, bypassed, or repaired, you made need surgery to remove or replace the infected part.
Risk Factors
Previous vascular surgery is the biggest risk factor for, and most common cause of, a vascular infection.