Perforated atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta presenting with upper airway obstruction

The authors describe an unusual presentation of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta in an 84-year-old man. The ulcer perforated the aorta, and hematoma extended into the soft tissues of the neck, causing upper airway and esophageal obstruction. The results of autopsy proved the findings of prior chest radiography and computed tomography.