Spontaneous rupture of the ascending aorta

A case of spontaneous non-traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta in a hypertensive patient is presented. The clinical findings suggested acute aortic dissection, and a large pericardial effusion was detected by echocardiography. The typical angiographic features of aortic dissection were not found. Autopsy revealed a longitudinal intimal tear and a rupture in the postero-lateral aspect of the ascending aorta. No false lumen was seen in the ascending aorta. When acute intrapericardial or intrapleural bleeding develops with no evidence of aortic aneurysm or dissection, spontaneous aortic rupture should be suspected.