The clinical picture of dissecting aortic aneurysm
Kolber-Postepska, B.; Florkiewicz, H.; Jach, A.; Sierocińska-Sawa, J.
Wiadomosci Lekarskie 41(20): 1337-1340
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5147 PMID: 3245196 Document Number: 311006
Ten cases of dissecting aortic aneurysm are presented. The patients were treated in the years 1984-1986, they included 7 men and 3 women aged 49-76 years (mean 65 years). In 50% of cases the aneurysm developed at the age over 70 years. The clinical course resembled most frequently that of acute myocardial infraction. Moreover, in half the cases acute abdominal pain was present suggesting pancreatitis; only one patient survived, after operation, the remaining ones died mainly from aortic rupture. In 2 cases the diagnosis was established intravitally after radiological examination of the chest, ultrasonography and aortography. In 3 cases the clinical pattern suggested dissecting aortic aneurysm but no diagnostic investigations were done. In 5 cases the diagnosis was established only on autopsy. In 5 cases the aneurysm was situated in the ascending part of the aorta (type A) and in 5 cases dissection of the aorta bagan below the site of branching off of the left subclavian artery (type B). The analysis of the material showed that the course of dissecting aortic aneurysm may vary, but most frequently it resembles acute myocardial infarction. Frequently the diagnosis is made only on autopsy, since severe condition of the patients and early death made impossible diagnostic investigations.