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Chronic syphilitic aortic aneurysm complicated with chronic aortic dissection
Ricardo Pedrini Cruz1, Luiz Carlos Porcello Marrone, Antônio Carlos Huf Marrone
1Surgery Department, Medical University of Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. rpcruz2004@gmail.com
American Journal of Surgery
|September 25, 2010
Summary
This case highlights a rare instance of tertiary syphilis causing a chronic syphilitic aortic aneurysm with dissection. Cardiovascular syphilis is uncommon but remains a critical diagnosis for clinicians to consider.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Tertiary syphilis was historically a leading cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms.
- Antibiotic era has significantly reduced the incidence of cardiovascular syphilis.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old man presented with dysphagia, weight loss, and neurological symptoms.
- Imaging revealed an aortic aneurysm with chronic dissection from ascending aorta to iliac vessels.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed neurosyphilis.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of chronic syphilitic aortic aneurysm with chronic aortic dissection.
- The patient exhibited classic signs including Argyll Robertson pupil and paresthesias.
Implications:
- Syphilitic aortitis, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic aneurysms.
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing diverse presentations of syphilis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing syphilitic cardiovascular complications.
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