[Syphilitic aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Considerations on 2 cases]

Abdominal aortic aneurysm have been considered in the modern literature only arteriosclerotic, apart from any possibility of superimposed bacterial infections. In 2 cases, after the hystological study on the aneurysmatic wall the Authors have found typical syphilitic lesions. both didn't have positive historical data and in one only serological tests were positive. This observation calls the attention on the importance of such an insidious pathology which is still present in spite of the decrease of the luetic epidemiology. It happens mainly in patients ignoring to be carriers of a remote infection or in those inadequately treated for it. Even it anamnestical and serological data are negative not only in presence of a thoracic aortic aneurysm but also in presence of an abdominal one, physicians must take syphilis into account in their diagnosis. The mistake comes often from an associated arteriosclerotic process present in elderly patients developing the aortitis a long time after infection. Therefore it is necessary to perform a careful hystological test of the aneurysmatic wall even if macroscopical examination suggests only arteriosclerotic lesions. An hystological evidence of syphilitic aortitis advises a long-term treatment aimed to avoid other localizations.