Painless dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta: Report of eight cases masquerading as gross aortic insufficiency, severe hypertension, myocardial infarction and mediastinal enlargement.

Authors

Remigio Garcia
Peter Torbey
Daniel T. Anbe
Ellet H. Drake

Abstract

In a review of 68 patients with dissecting thoracic aorta aneurysm (DTAA), eight patients (11.7%) were found to have painless dissection. Three of the eight patients presented with gross aortic insufficiency (Al). Angiography on a fourth patient, who had severe hypertension, showed Type III DTAA. Three other patients had either dilatation of the ascending aorta or a possible mediastinal mass, according to chest roentgenograms. One patient received treatment for suspected myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock. A high index of suspicion in patients with unexplained Al, severe hypertension and a mediastinal mass or dilatation of the ascending aorta, coupled with the early use of angiographic studies, will assist in establishing the diagnosis and decide the most appropriate management.

Recommended Citation

Garcia, Remigio; Torbey, Peter; Anbe, Daniel T.; and Drake, Ellet H. (1977) "Painless dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta: Report of eight cases masquerading as gross aortic insufficiency, severe hypertension, myocardial infarction and mediastinal enlargement.," Henry Ford Hospital Medical Journal : Vol. 25 : No. 1 , 21-32.
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/hfhmedjournal/vol25/iss1/4