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Abdominal aortic aneurysm with arteritis in ankylosing spondylitis
Hisato Takagi1, Yoshio Mori, Yukio Umeda
1Department of Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan. h-takagi@cc.gifu-u.ac.jp
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|August 30, 2003
Summary
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause abdominal aortic aneurysms. This study details a successful surgical repair in a patient with HLA-B27-associated ankylosing spondylitis, highlighting pathological findings consistent with aortitis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- Aortitis, or inflammation of the aorta, is a known complication of AS.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are localized dilations of the abdominal aorta.
Observation:
- A 68-year-old woman with HLA-B27-associated AS presented with a 48-mm AAA.
- The AAA was surgically treated with a tube graft, reinforcing suture lines with Teflon felt strips.
Findings:
- Pathologic examination of the aneurysmal wall showed significant changes.
- These included connective tissue hyalinization, lymphocytic infiltrates, calcification, and absence of elastic fibers.
- These histological features are consistent with aortitis in the context of AS.
Implications:
- This case highlights the association between AS and AAA.
- It underscores the importance of recognizing aortitis as a potential complication in AS patients.
- Successful surgical management of AAA in AS patients is feasible.