Aortitis requiring aortic repair associated with glaucoma, thyroiditis, glaucoma, and neuropathy: case report

J Cardiothorac Surg. 2011 May 16:6:74. doi: 10.1186/1749-8090-6-74.

Abstract

Aortitis may be due to infectious and non-infectious causes. We observed aortitis, associated with glaucoma, thyroiditis, pericarditis, pleural effusion and neuropathy in a 63-years old woman. Despite antibiotic therapy, inflammatory signs persisted and resolved only after initiation of glucocorticoid therapy. Increasing aortic ectasia necessitated resection of the ascending aorta and implantation of a Vascutek 30 mm prosthesis. Histologically a granulomatous aortitis was diagnosed. Since all other possible causes were excluded, an immunological mechanism of the aortitis is suspected and possible triggering factors are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnosis
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / etiology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortitis / complications*
  • Aortitis / diagnosis
  • Aortitis / therapy
  • Biopsy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Glaucoma / complications*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyneuropathies / complications*
  • Thyroiditis / complications*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Glucocorticoids