Circumferential rupture of the ascending aorta in a fusiform aneurysm.

A case of complete circumferential rupture of the ascending aorta with massive hemorrhage into the pericardial space and around the aortic arch is described. Computed tomography was used to establish the diagnosis. Rupture occurred distal to the origin of the coronary arteries without impairment of aortic valve function, and therefore a preclotted woven Dacron graft was inserted. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of complete rupture of the ascending aorta in a fusiform aneurysm and the first report of its successful surgical treatment.