Increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism in patients with aortic aneurysms: A nationwide cohort study

Aortic aneurysm: An uncommon cause of dysphagia

Dysphagia is a serious symptom and requires urgent investigations and prompt diagnosis to initiate appropriate therapy. Dysphagia aortica is a rare entity described as difficulty in swallowing due to external compression by the aorta. The incidence of this entity is unknown. Herein we present a 90-year-old woman who presented with a progressive 3-month history of dysphagia, diagnosed with aortic aneurysm who then developed related complications and succumbed. Dysphagia aortica should be considered in the list of differential diagnoses in a patient with dysphagia although rare. Early diagnosis and management are vital to avoid poor outcomes.

[Deep vein thrombosis as a primary symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm : Bilateral deep vein thrombosis caused by infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (15 cm in diameter) with complete compression of the inferior vena cava]

This article presents the case of a 70-year-old obese patient with severe bilateral leg pain due to deep vein thrombosis. After unsuccessful venous recanalization, computed tomography angiography revealed an abdominal aortic aneurysm 15 cm in diameter with total compression of the inferior vena cava. For venous decompression as well as rupture prophylaxis, conventional open surgical repair was performed.

AAA Revisited: A Comprehensive Review of Risk Factors, Management, and Hallmarks of Pathogenesis

Despite declining incidence and mortality rates in many countries, the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) continues to represent a life-threatening cardiovascular condition with an overall prevalence of about 2-3% in the industrialized world. While the risk of AAA development is considerably higher for men of advanced age with a history of smoking, screening programs serve to detect the often asymptomatic condition and prevent aortic rupture with an associated death rate of up to 80%. This review summarizes the current knowledge on identified risk factors, the multifactorial process of pathogenesis, as well as the latest advances in medical treatment and surgical repair to provide a perspective for AAA management.

Coexistence of Common Pathologies of the Cardiovascular System in a Patient with Pain in the Right Lower Limb

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection, as well as peripheral arterial atherosclerosis, are frequently diagnosed vascular disorders. In this paper, the authors present the case of coexistence of common pathologies of the cardiovascular system in a patient with pain in the right lower limb. The presented images provide a didactically valuable overview of serious cardiovascular pathologies. This article highlights the value of computed tomography angiography in diagnosis of cardiovascular life-threatening conditions, especially as a result of proper medical interview and physical examination.

Thrombus risk versus bleeding risk: a clinical conundrum

A 62-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with dyspnoea and central pleuritic chest pain radiating posteriorly to between the scapulae. His medical history included hypertension, osteoporosis and chronic kidney disease secondary to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Significant examination findings included a loud palpable P2 and a displaced apex beat. An ECG revealed sinus tachycardia with a right-bundle branch block and p-pulmonale. A CT pulmonary angiogram and aortogram demonstrated extensive bilateral pulmonary emboli and a descending thoracic aortic dissection. Subsequent ultrasound of the lower limbs confirmed an extensive, non-occlusive deep vein thrombosis in the right calf. Management of this patient involved therapeutic anticoagulation and tight blood pressure control, with plans for surgical repair delayed due to worsening renal impairment and subsequent supratherapeutic anticoagulation. Co-existence of an aortic dissection and PE has been rarely described and optimal management remains unclear.