Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root diagnosed by noninvasive imaging: report of a case

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root is a rare condition typically diagnosed by the use of cardiac catheterization and aortography or by surgical exploration. This case describes a patient who was shown to have a pseudoaneurysm of the aortic root without evidence of any acquired etiologic factors other than atherosclerotic vascular disease. Two new advanced techniques of noninvasive imaging were used in confirming the diagnosis: transesophageal echocardiography and gated magnetic resonance imaging. This case highlights the value of techniques such as these to reliably assess the heart and great vessels without the need for more invasive procedures.