Porcelain Aorta in a Young Person Living with HIV Who Presented with Angina

Mircea Bajdechi1, Alexandru Scafa-Udriste2,3, Vlad Ploscaru3

  • 1Doctoral School of Medicine, "Ovidius" University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania.

Insights

Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) face elevated cardiovascular risks, including accelerated atherosclerosis and conditions like porcelain aorta. This case highlights the complex management of coronary syndrome in a young HIV-positive patient with these comorbidities.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exhibit increased cardiovascular risk due to traditional factors (smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity) and HIV-specific factors (inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, antiretroviral therapy).
  • HIV infection is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis, potentially doubling the incidence of coronary artery disease compared to HIV-negative individuals.

Observation:

  • A young male smoker, living with HIV since childhood and lacking other cardiovascular risk factors, presented with myocardial ischemia.
  • Diagnostic imaging revealed normal cardiac function but indicated ascending aorta ectasia, moderate aortic regurgitation, critical calcified left anterior descending artery stenosis, and extensive thoracic aorta calcification (porcelain aorta).

Findings:

  • The case illustrates a rare presentation of porcelain aorta in a young HIV-positive individual.
  • The patient experienced myocardial ischemia attributed to significant coronary artery calcification.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the critical need for vigilant cardiovascular risk assessment and management in HIV-positive individuals, even in the absence of traditional risk factors.
  • Effective management strategies for coronary syndrome in young HIV patients with porcelain aorta and aortic regurgitation are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

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