Images in emergency medicine: giant ascending aortic aneurysm dissection with hemopericardium

Author: Ong BOON ¹ ; Harvey MARTYN ; Cave GRANT
Author Information

1. Emergency Medicine Department
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Aorta; Aneurysm; Tamponade; Dissection
From: World Journal of Emergency Medicine 2012;3(3):235-236
CountryChina
Language:English
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Acute chest pain represents a common presentation at emergency department. Aortic dissection in young patients, however, is fortunately rare. METHODS: We report a case of giant ascending aortic aneurysm with Stanford type A aortic dissection in an otherwise well 22-year-old male patient. Operative aortic valve and root replacement was undertaken with favourable outcome. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination of the resected aorta revealed acute on chronic inflammatory change with Langerhans type giant cells consistent with a diagnosis of giant cell aortitis. CONCLUSION: While uncommon, emergencies of the aorta may present in young patients. Predisposing conditions are discussed.