[Aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in tertiary syphilis]

A 53-year-old female presented with septicaemia caused by left ureteric obstruction due to ureterolithiasis. Further diagnostic work-up for left mediastinal widening revealed an asymptomatic aneurysm of the descending aorta. Serologic tests for syphilis were highly positive (TPHA 1:10240, 19s-IgM-FTA-Abs 1:20, Cardiolipin KBR 1:72 IU/ml). After a three weeks course of Penicillin G, 19s-IgM-FTA-Abs was negative. A successful tube resection of the aneurysm was performed. The diagnosis of luetic aneurysm of the descending aorta was confirmed histologically. Although rare today, tertiary syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of thoracic aneurysm in middle-aged patients lacking classical risk factors for atherosclerosis. The immune pathogenesis of cardiovascular syphilis still remains subject of controversy.