Work

Aneurysm of the ascending aorta in systemic lupus erythematosus: Case report and review of the literature

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: Cardiovascular manifestations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are common, but aortic aneurysm formation is rare. We present a 63-year-old male SLE patient with a two-year history of skin lesions, leucopenia, pericarditis, mitral valve vegetations consistent with Liebman-Sacks endocarditis, and an aneurysm of the ascending aorta, which was successfully repaired surgically. Histologic examination of the aneurysm showed medial cystic degeneration, smooth muscle necrosis, and mild adventitial perivascular lymphocytic aggregates. This histology is typical of thoracic aneurysms that carry a high risk for aortic dissection and patient death. The case highlights the importance of early detection and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms in patients with SLE.

Source: European Journal of Rheumatology

DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2017.17066

Authors: Hector Corominas, Maria Tsokos, Martha Quezado, George C. Tsokos

Institutions: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute

Language: English

Topic: Aortic Disease and Treatment Approaches

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Sociedad Española de Reumatología