Work

Aortic malignancy masquerading as infrarenal aortitis: A diagnostic challenge

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Primary retroperitoneal aortic sarcoma is an exceptionally rare malignancy and may closely mimic inflammatory or infectious aortitis on clinical assessment and imaging. An 89-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, weight loss, and periaortic inflammatory change on computed tomography, raising concern for aortitis with possible impending rupture. Urgent endovascular aortic repair was performed. Despite antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy, symptoms and radiographic findings progressed. Subsequent computed tomography-guided biopsy demonstrated a high-grade retroperitoneal aortic sarcoma. The presence of the stent graft influenced perceived procedural safety and allowed tissue diagnosis that had initially been deferred. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by malignant aortic disease presenting as presumed aortitis and underscores the importance of maintaining diagnostic vigilance in atypical cases.

Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2026.102186

Authors: Davina Daudu, Hunter Gurevic, Lakshmi Pothukuchi, Victoria van Winden, Anwar Choudhary

Institution: Fiona Stanley Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Sarcoma Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,250