Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2004 Oct;37(10):872-875.

Intramural Hematoma of the Descending Thoracic Aorta Misdiagnosed as Aortic Rupture: A case report

• Jo WM
• Shin JS
• Min BJ
• Lee IS

Abstract

The treatment modalities of the intramural hematoma (IMH) remain controversial. Nowadays, the IMH of the descending thoracic aorta is generally classified in the medical treatment category. We describe a patient with IMH of the descending thoracic aorta who received the medical treatment. During the follow-up, we speculated that the IMH had been aggravated leading to an aortic rupture including hemothorax. Therefore, we performed an emergency operation. Contrary to our expectations, operative findings showed a well-organized aortic wall and serous pleural effusion. The exact diagnosis was IMH of the descending thoracic aorta with penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU). This case reminded us of the importance of accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.

Keyword

Aorta; Hematoma; Aortic rupture

MeSH Terms

Aorta
Aorta, Thoracic*
Aortic Rupture*
Diagnosis
Emergencies
Follow-Up Studies
Hematoma*
Hemothorax
Humans
Pleural Effusion
Ulcer