Images in emergency medicine: giant ascending aortic aneurysm dissection with hemopericardium
10.5847/wjem.j.issn.1920-8642.2012.03.014
- 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.