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[Pseudocoarctation caused by a calcified intra-aortic mass]
Insights
A rare case of thoracic aortic coarctation caused by an intraluminal calcified mass was identified in a hypertensive woman. Atherosclerotic lesions and thrombosis were found, suggesting a unique vascular condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Coarctation of the aorta typically presents as a congenital narrowing.
- Intraluminal masses causing aortic coarctation are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 57-year-old woman with hypertension presented with weak lower limb pulses and a thoracic systolic murmur.
- Thoracic X-ray revealed a 10 cm narrowing of the thoracic aorta due to an intraluminal calcified mass.
Findings:
- Histologic examination of the resected aortic mass showed advanced atherosclerotic lesions with thrombosis.
- The remaining aorta and its branches were anatomically normal.
Implications:
- This case highlights an unusual cause of acquired aortic coarctation.
- The findings suggest a distinct pathological entity requiring further investigation and reporting.
Abstract:
Weak or absent lower limb pulses and a thoracic systolic murmur in a fifty-seven-year-old woman with hypertension suggested coarctation. Thoracic X-Ray showed a narrowing of the thoracic aorta over 10 cm due to an intraluminal calcified aortic mass. The remaining aorta and its branches were normal. Histologic examination of the operative specimen found atherosclerotic lesions with thrombosis. This very unusual condition seems to represent an individual entity of which a few cases have been reported in the literature.