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Published on: June 14, 2016
Aortitis and periaortic fibrosis
1Division of Rheumatology, Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60616.
Abstract:
A 45-year-old man presented with bilateral lower extremity claudication due to aortitis and periaortic fibrosis. This variety of aortitis has been described in the pathologic literature as chronic periaortitis, a subset of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis. The association of this aortitis with abdominal aortic aneurysm has been described in the surgical literature as inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms. These entities are thought to be secondary to the same disease process. We review the possible etiology, diagnostic considerations, and management of these aortidites.
Insights
Aortitis, a form of chronic periaortitis, can cause lower extremity claudication. This condition, linked to inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms, requires review of its causes and management.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Pathology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Aortitis and periaortic fibrosis can lead to bilateral lower extremity claudication.
- Chronic periaortitis, a type of aortitis, is associated with idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis.
- Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms are linked to aortitis in surgical literature.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old man presented with symptoms of aortitis and periaortic fibrosis.
- The patient experienced bilateral lower extremity claudication.
Findings:
- The patient's condition represents a form of aortitis linked to periaortic fibrosis.
- This presentation aligns with descriptions of chronic periaortitis and inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- These conditions are hypothesized to stem from a shared underlying disease process.
Implications:
- Understanding the etiology of aortitis and periaortic fibrosis is crucial for diagnosis.
- Effective management strategies for these conditions need further investigation.
- This case highlights the connection between aortitis, retroperitoneal fibrosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

