Aortic aneurysm and mitral regurgitation as first manifestat ions of ankylosing spondilitis

Abstract

A 72 year-old male was referred to our department because of dyspnea and mediastinal widening at chest radiography. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest with contrast revealed a 70x65mm saccular aneurysm of the arcus aorta with intraluminal thrombus and ascending aorta dilatation with a diameter of 45mm (Figure 1). Echocardiography revaled normal left ventricular systolic function and severe mitral regurgitation. The patient has been suffering from low back pain for 10 years which have been considered to be associated with age-related degenerative changes and overlooked by the patient and the physicians. Preoperative Rheumatology consultation was requested to exclude vasculitis and the work-up revealed ankylosing sponAnkylosing Spondilitis is a systemic inflammatory disease that involves the whole spine and sacroiliac joints. Cardiac manifestations include mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation, conduction abnormalities, atrial fibrillation, myocardial dysfunction and pericarditis. A 72 year-old male referring to our department because of dyspnea and mediastinal widening at chest radiography and having a diagnosis of aortic aneurysm and mitral regurgitation is presented as a case report.