A Rapidly Expanding Ascending Aortic Aneurysm in a Patient with Relapsing Polychondritis

Abstract

Here we describe a case of rapidly expanding ascending aortic aneurysm in a patient with relapsing polychondritis. To prevent aneurysm rupture, the patient underwent emergent surgical repair. Silent inflammation can progress in the aorta wall, even in asymptomatic patients with mild disease activity under immunosuppressive treatment, leading to the rapid growth of aortic aneurysms. Close monitoring with routine imaging is needed once a patient with relapsing polychondritis is diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm.