J Rheum Dis.  2014 Feb;21(1):43-45. 10.4078/jrd.2014.21.1.43.

A Case of Descending Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Yang YR
• Lee RS
• Ban TH
• Seo JH
• Kim DJ
• Jung SM
• Park SH

• KMID: 2222989
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4078/jrd.2014.21.1.43

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a systemic inflammatory disorder that affects the axial skeleton. It often involves the extra-articular organs. Cardiovascular involvement is one of the extra-articular 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.

Keyword

Ankylosing spondylitis; Extra-articular manifestation; Cardiovascular; Aortic aneurysm

MeSH Terms

Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal*
Heart Valve Diseases
Humans
Korea
Skeleton
Spondylitis, Ankylosing*

Figure

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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).

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  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).

Reference

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