Syphilitic aortic aneurysm eroding through the sternum

• Published in: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery Vol. 10; no. 10; pp. 922 - 924
• Main Authors: FULTON, J. O, ZILLA, P, DE GROOT, K. M, VON OPPELL, U. O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Science B.V 1996; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Anastomosis, Surgical; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic - diagnosis; Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic - surgery; Bacterial diseases; Biological and medical sciences; Blood Vessel Prosthesis; Female; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Miscellaneous; Polyethylene Terephthalates; Sternum - pathology; Sternum - surgery; Surgical Flaps; Syphilis, Cardiovascular - diagnosis; Syphilis, Cardiovascular - surgery; Human; Sternum; Respiratory disease; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Aneurysm; Cardiovascular disease; Treponematosis; Infection; Case study; Sexually transmitted disease; Treatment; Aortic arch; Surgery; Syphilis; Bacteriosis; Complication; Aortic disease; Spirachaetosis; Erosion
• ISSN: 1010-7940; 1873-734X
• DOI: 10.1016/S1010-7940(96)80324-1

Syphilitic aortic aneurysms are uncommon today. A syphilitic aneurysmeroding through the anterior chest wall with successful surgical treatmentis reported. The large size these aneurysms reach, in conjunction with theoverlying pressure-induced skin necrosis necrosis can represent a technicalchallenge to the surgeon, both in the method of repairing the aneurysm aswell as reconstructing the chest wall. Syphilitic aortic disease is alsobriefly reviewed.