Giant ascending aortic aneurysm and superior vena cava syndrome

Aneurisma gigante de aorta ascendente y síndrome de vena cava superior

Introduction: giant aortic aneurysm (AA) is a rare condition which may be asymptomatic for years or present with non-specific symptoms. Diagnosis is by imaging tests such as contrast tomography and magnetic resonance angiography of the aorta, which are considered first line for definitive diagnosis. It carries high mortality and variable prognosis.  Case: herein we present a case of giant aortic aneurysm revealed by superior vena cava syndrome in an 88-year-old female patient with multiple underlying pathologies. She was not a candidate for AA surgical repair due to the features of the aneurysm and her past medical history. Discussion: it is relevant to consider AA in the approach to the patient with superior vena cava syndrome, to define treatment by surgical repair for improving prognosis. Conclusion: giant aortic aneurysm is a rare condition with non-specific features, usually treated surgically, carrying high long-term morbidity and mortality if diagnosis is delayed. 

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