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A case of syphilitic aortic aneurysm with sternal erosion and impending rupture

Khadhar Mohamed Sarjun Basha1, Karthik Raman2, Sheriff Ejaz Ahmed2

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, The Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, India drsarjunbashaskm@gmail.com.

Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|October 26, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Syphilitic aortic aneurysm is rare today but still a diagnostic consideration. This case highlights successful surgical repair of an aortic aneurysm eroding through the sternum.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Innovation

Background:

  • Syphilitic aortic aneurysm, a manifestation of cardiovascular syphilis, is increasingly rare due to antibiotics.
  • While uncommon in developed nations, syphilis remains relevant in differential diagnoses globally.
  • The condition involves aortic dilation and potential complications secondary to *Treponema pallidum* infection.

Observation:

  • A 52-year-old male presented with a syphilitic aortic aneurysm.
  • The aneurysm had eroded through the sternum, posing a significant surgical challenge.
  • This presentation is highly unusual in the contemporary medical landscape.

Findings:

  • Successful surgical repair of the sternal-eroding syphilitic aortic aneurysm was achieved.
  • The case underscores the importance of considering syphilis in aortic pathology, even in low-prevalence settings.
  • This demonstrates the feasibility of complex surgical intervention for advanced cardiovascular syphilis.

Implications:

  • Highlights the need for continued vigilance for rare cardiovascular syphilis presentations.
  • Emphasizes the critical role of surgical expertise in managing complex aortic pathologies.
  • Suggests that with timely intervention, favorable outcomes are possible for syphilitic aortic aneurysms.
Keywords:
Aortic aneurysmcardiovascularsternumsyphilisthoracic

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