Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
04:56

Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Published on: August 1, 2025

False aneurysm of ascending aorta due to pericardial mesothelioma

Vladimir Uspenskiy1, Alexei Lavreshin, Alexei Osadchii

  • 1Almazov Federal Heart, Blood and Endocrinology Centre, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation. vladimiruspenskiy@gmail.com

Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|May 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm, a rare complication of pericardial mesothelioma, poses diagnostic challenges. Early diagnosis and effective adjuvant chemotherapy are crucial for improving patient outcomes in malignant pericardial tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Oncology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare malignancy with potentially severe complications.
  • Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm is an infrequent but serious complication associated with pericardial mesothelioma.

Observation:

  • A case of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm secondary to spindle cell pericardial mesothelioma is presented.
  • Initial symptoms appeared 18 months prior to surgical intervention, with diagnosis delayed until severe late complications arose.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent palliative tumor excision, aortoplasty, and aortic valve prosthesis placement.
  • Adjuvant chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction of tumor mass.
  • The patient remains alive 10 months post-surgery.

Implications:

  • Timely lifetime diagnosis of malignant pericardial tumors is exceptionally difficult.
  • Effective adjuvant chemotherapy is essential for enhancing surgical outcomes and patient survival.
  • This case highlights the need for improved diagnostic strategies and therapeutic approaches for rare pericardial malignancies.

More Related Videos

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia05:07

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia

Published on: July 21, 2023

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta07:12

An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta

Published on: September 8, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction01:22

Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction

Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Thoracic Aorta01:15

Thoracic Aorta

The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...