Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
04:56
Modified Octopus Technique for Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Published on: August 1, 2025
592
Angiosarcoma of the Descending Aorta, Diagnostic Difficulties
N Anthonissen1, T Menting2, M Verkroost1
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
EJVES Short Reports
|September 1, 2017
Summary
Primary aortic angiosarcoma is rare and difficult to diagnose. This case highlights the importance of prompt diagnosis to prevent rapid embolization and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Oncology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Primary angiosarcomas of the aorta are exceedingly rare vascular tumors.
- Their non-specific symptoms often lead to delayed diagnosis, posing significant clinical challenges.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old woman presented with night sweats and malaise, initially attributed to non-specific symptoms.
- Computed tomography (CT) revealed a filling defect in the descending aorta, which subsequently caused celiac artery embolic occlusion.
Findings:
- Surgical resection of the aortic defect and embolectomy were performed.
- Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of angiosarcoma.
- The case underscores diagnostic difficulties associated with primary aortic tumors.
Implications:
- Early and accurate diagnosis of aortic angiosarcoma is critical.
- Prompt management can prevent severe complications such as widespread embolization and metastasis.
- This case emphasizes the need for high clinical suspicion in patients with unexplained symptoms and suspicious imaging findings.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
406
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...
406
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
649
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
649
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
321
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
321
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
608
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
608
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
365
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
365
01:29Angina III: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment
292
Angina manifests as chest pain, tightness, or squeezing discomfort typically located behind the breastbone. It can radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulders, and inner aspects of the upper arms, most commonly the left arm. Patients may experience shortness of breath, fatigue, profuse sweating, dizziness, indigestion, heartburn, palpitations, anxiety, and vomiting as accompanying symptoms. This pain often lasts a few minutes and is triggered by physical exertion, emotional stress, heavy meals, or cold...
292