Journal List > J Rheum Dis > v.21(1) > 1064160

Yang, Lee, Ban, Seo, Kim, Jung, and Park: A Case of Descending Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory disorder that affects the axial skeleton. It often involves the extraarticular organs. Cardiovascular involvement is one of the extraarticular manifestations, which is mostly represented by aortic root, valvular heart disease, and conduction disturbances. An aortic sclerosing inflammatory process induces aortic root thickening and rigidity. An aortic aneurysmal change is a rare complication that often leads to life threatening conditions. A few cases regarding aortic aneurysm have been reported, but there are no reported cases in Korea. We report the first case of descending thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

References

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Figure 1.
Sacroiliitis at initial presentation. (A) Subchondral sclerosis with periarticular erosions were observed at both sacroiliac joint in plain pelvic X-ray. Narrowing of the sacroiliac spaces also could be seen (arrowheads: Sacroiliitis, New York classification III). (B) Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging showed bone marrow edema and joint space narrowing in right sacroiliac joint. Also synovial enhancement and subchondral erosions were seen (arrow).
jrd-21-43f1.tif
Figure 2.
Incidentally detected aortic aneurysm. (A) Chest computed tomographic imaging of three-dimensional reconstruction shows a dilated descending aorta (yellow arrows). Aortic root and aortic arch appeared to be normal. (B) Continuing abdominal aortic aneurysm involves the suprarenal and infrarenal segment of abdominal aorta (white arrows).
jrd-21-43f2.tif
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