Surgery for Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Aortic Valve Insufficiency in Conditions of Active Proceeding Syphilitic Aortitis and Valvulitis.

A syphilitic aortitis is a late cardiovascular lesion of tertiary syphilis that has become exceptionally rare in the antibiotic era but not eradicated completely. Syphilitic aortitis of ascending aorta complicates in ascending aortic aneurysm formation and aortic valve regurgitation, both requiring surgical treatment. After surgery, lifelong surveillance of the remainder of the aorta is recommended because of a priori supposed high incidence of delayed involvement of noninvolved aortic segments. A 3-year follow-up result of surgery of syphilitic ascending aortic aneurysm with aortic valve regurgitation in condition of active ongoing syphilitic aortitis and valvulitis is described with addressing the dimensions of remaining aortic segments. This case demonstrates that the dilatation of the remainder of the aorta does not occur during 3 years, at least when anti-syphilitic course of antibiotic is used just after operation without additional treatment during the follow-up period. A few reports on surgical treatment of syphilitic aneurysms of the ascending aorta are discussed.

Treatment of syphilitic aortitis with coronary artery bypass grafting and "open" stent placement.

Cardiovascular syphilis manifests many years after primary infection. Here, we report the successful treatment of a patient who developed syphilitic aortitis with bilateral coronary ostial stenosis and aortic insufficiency. The patient underwent right coronary artery bypass grafting, left main coronary ostial "open" stent placement, and mechanical aortic valve placement during open-heart surgery.

Syphilitic aortitis and ostial coronary stenosis treated by endarterectomy, bypass grafting and aortic valve replacement: a case report.

Background: Syphilitic ostial coronary stenosis is an uncommon manifestation of cardiovascular syphilis, characterized by concomitant aortic regurgitation and isolated or bilateral ostial involvement. Although much has been written about syphilis in the pre-antibiotic era, the key imaging and operative findings were rarely reported in the modern literature. Through multimodality imaging and operative videos, we demonstrate the unique diagnostic and therapeutic hurdles associated with the condition. Case Description: A 47-year-old woman presented with acute decompensated heart failure due to bilateral ostial coronary stenosis and severe aortic insufficiency, which raises suspicion for underlying syphilis. She underwent successful aortic valve replacement, right coronary ostioplasty and bypass grafting of the left coronary system. The syphilitic process was confirmed by histopathological examination of the aortic valve and aortic wall as well as serological tests. She recovered from the operation uneventfully. Conclusions: The manifestations of cardiovascular syphilis are protean and can pose significant diagnostic challenges even in the modern era. The presence of isolated coronary ostial stenosis should raise suspicion for syphilis. Timely surgery and antibiotics can lead to successful outcomes. Furthermore, the evolution and nuances of surgical techniques addressing ostial coronary stenosis was reviewed. Surgical strategy should be individualized based on preoperative multimodality imaging.

Cardiovascular syphilis treated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Cardiovascular syphilis presented with concomitant aortic regurgitation (AR) and left coronary ostial stenosis is rare, usually treated with on-pump aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft. We report a critical case of AR and left coronary ostial stenosis due to cardiovascular syphilis treated with emergent salvage transcatheter aortic valve replacement and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Aortitis sifilítica: a propósito de un caso del sur colombiano / Syphilitic aortitis: about a case in South Colombia

Resumen Se expone el caso de una paciente de 73 años procedente y residente de Florencia, Caquetá (Colombia), con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, que ingresa a un hospital de alta complejidad por un cuadro clínico de 3 meses de evolución consistente en dolor torácico tipo opresivo en la región anterior izquierda del tórax, no irradiado, de intensidad 8/10. En el ecocardiograma se evidencia enfermedad calcificada de la válvula aórtica con estenosis aortica grave, insuficiencia aórtica, hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo e insuficiencia mitral leve. Dentro de los estudios prequirúrgicos presentó VDRL con 1:4 diluciones, se confirmó el diagnóstico con el resultado de la prueba treponémica y se descartaron otras enfermedades infecciosas. Se realizó remplazo valvular con bioprótesis y tubo valvular supracoronario. En la biopsia se confirmó la valvulitis crónica cicatricial con extensas calcificaciones. Posterior a la intervención quirúrgica se dio egreso por adecuada evolución clínica.

Abstract The case of a 73-year-old female patient obtained and resident of Florencia, Caquetá (Colombia), with a history of hypertension who is admitted to a highly complex hospital due to a 3-month clinical picture of constant evolution in pain is presented. Thoracic oppressive type in the anterior region of the left thorax, non-irradiated, of intensity 8/10. The echocardiogram shows calcified aortic valve disease with severe aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, left ventricular hypertrophy, and mild grade mitral regurgitation. Within the pre-surgical studies, she presented VDRL with 1:4 dilutions and the diagnosis was confirmed with the result of the treponemal test and other infectious diseases were ruled out. Valvular replacement was performed with a bioprosthesis plus a supra-coronary valvular tube. In the biopsy, chronic scar valvulitis with extensive calcifications was confirmed. After the surgical intervention, discharge was performed due to adequate clinical evolution.

Aortitis sifilítica: manifestación olvidada de la sífilis / Syphilitic aortitis: forgotten manifestation of syphilis

Resumen La sífilis es una infección bacteriana producida por el Treponema pallidum (espiroqueta). Consta de varias etapas: primaria, secundaria y terciaria, según el tiempo de evolución desde el momento en que se adquiere la infección. Cada etapa comprende diferentes manifestaciones clínicas; los síntomas cardiovasculares forman parte de la sífilis terciaria, en cuyo caso la aortitis sifilítica es la principal forma de presentación. Se expone el caso de un paciente que consultó por déficit neurológico focal, en quien por medio de estudios de extensión se documentó neurosífilis e insuficiencia valvular aórtica severa secundaria a perforación de la válvula coronaria derecha, que requirió recambio valvular aórtico por bioprótesis. Adicionalmente, se hace una revisión de las principales manifestaciones cardiovasculares de esta enfermedad. Aunque en la era postantibiótica este tipo de manifestaciones tardías son cada vez menos frecuentes, es imperativo conocerlas.

Abstract Syphilis is a bacterial infection caused by Treponema pallidum (spirochete). It has various stages: primary, secondary and tertiary; depending on the time to progression from the moment the infection is acquired. Each stage involves various clinical manifestations; cardiovascular symptoms are part of tertiary syphilis, and syphilitic aortitis is the main form of presentation. We present the case of a patient who consulted with a focal neurological deficit, in whom extension studies reported neurosyphilis and severe aortic failure secondary to perforation of the right coronary valve, which required aortic valve replacement by bioprosthesis. We also undertake a review of the main cardiovascular manifestations of this disease. Although in the post-antibiotic era this type of late manifestation is increasingly less frequent, it is imperative that we are aware of it.

Aortitis: Hallazgos radiológicos en relación a sus diversas etiologías / Aortitis: Radiological Findings in Relation to its Various Etiologies

Resumen La inflamación de la aorta (aortitis) es una patología poco frecuente, con etiología infecciosa (pseudoaneurisma micótico, sífilis) y no infecciosa (arteritis, aortitis idiopática, espondilitis anquilosante, entre otras) de difícil diagnóstico clínico y variable pronóstico. Por esa razón, la utilización de diversos métodos por imágenes, tales como la tomografía computada multidetector (TCMD), la tomografía computada por emisión de positrones (PET-TC), la resonancia magnética (RM) y ultrasonido (US) facilitan la identificación, seguimiento y tratamiento de esa entidad. El siguiente trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar una revisión y actualización bibliográfica acerca de la aortitis y sus diversas etiologías, ejemplificando con casos de nuestra institución.

Abstract Aortic inflammation (aortitis) is a rare pathology, with infectious (fungal pseudoaneurysm, syphilis) and noninfectious etiology (arteritis, idiopathic aortitis, ankylosing spondylitis, among others), it has a difficult clinical diagnosis and a variable prognosis. The use of various imaging methods such as multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and ultrasound (US) facilitate the identification, monitoring and treatment of this entity. The following paper aims to perform a literature review and update about aortitis and its various etiologies, exemplifying cases of our institution.

[Cardiovascular syphilis (current state of the problem and analysis of own observations)].

A description of two cases of cardiovascular syphilis is presented. The introduction discusses the relevance of visceral syphilis. The literary review is constructed in a chronological format and reflects the stages of studying the problem of cardiovascular syphilis. It emphasizes that cardiovascular syphilis is currently a rare pathology and internists are more likely to encounter it. Verification of the pathology of the cardiovascular system, including aortic aneurysm, during the early stages of syphilis (early latent) does not exclude the option of combined pathology. Early forms of syphilis in patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system should be considered a factor that complicates diagnosis. Such patients should be carefully examined to determine the cause of the disease. Rationale for the diagnosis of cardiovascular syphilis requires a comprehensive assessment of the results of clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination of the patient. A preliminary diagnosis of the specific etiology of an aortic aneurysm should be based on the following criteria: 1) relatively young age of patients with socially inappropriate sexual behavior; 2) sudden onset and rapid progression of the main signs of the disease. All patients with newly diagnosed aortic aneurysm at the outpatient stage should perform a serological examination. The diagnosis of cardiovascular syphilis, namely a syphilitic mesaortitis, can be established or confirmed by an autopsy.

Aortitis Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin.

Patients with aortitis often present with nonspecific constitutional symptoms. Due to the fact that aortitis is associated with inflammatory or infectious courses, patients may manifest fever or fever of unknown origin. Such clinical characteristics of aortitis are unavoidably brought about diagnostic dilemmas and might lead to a series of unnecessary work-ups and maltreatment. Therefore, it is important for the clinical physicians and surgeons to understand aortitis presenting with fever of unknown origin to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment. In this article, clinical and pathological features of aortitis (giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis and infective aortitis, etc.) with fever of unknown origin are described and the differential diagnosis and management policy are discussed.

Syphilitic aortic aneurysm.

The aim of this study was to outline the clinical features of syphilitic aortic aneurysm. The study materials were based on a comprehensive literature review of publications on syphilitic aortic aneurysm published between 2000 and 2017. Syphilitic aortic aneurysm occurred most commonly in the ascending aorta in either a saccular or a fusiform shape. Syphilitic aortic aneurysm was often complicated by aortic valve insufficiency (in almost half of the patients), and by a coronary artery/ostium lesion in 16.5% of the patients. Aortic valve operation was necessary in one fourth, and coronary artery surgery accounted for less than one fifth of patients warranting a surgical treatment. Although there was no difference in the survival rates between the surgically and conservatively treated patients, an aggressive treatment should be performed when diagnosis is made due to the potential risks of aneurysm rupture and sudden death.

Aortitis sifilítica: "una vieja olvidada" / Syphilitic aortitis: Old and forgotten. Report of a case

Resumen Se expone el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 69 años, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, ataque cerebrovascular, fibrilación auricular, insuficiencia aórtica y cardiopatía isquémica, quien ingresa a un hospital de alta complejidad por deterioro de la clase funcional, edema de miembros inferiores y episodios de palpitaciones. En la ecocardiografía se halló fracción de eyección normal, insuficiencia aórtica grave y dilatación de aorta ascendente con criterios quirúrgicos. Dentro de los estudios prequirúrgicos, se documentó VDRL reactivo en títulos altos y confirmación del diagnóstico de sífilis con TP-PA. Se realizó reemplazo valvular aórtico con prótesis biológica e injerto de dacrón en aorta ascendente, y el estudio patológico del material quirúrgico confirmó aortitis sifilítica. Se presenta una revisión respecto a esta patología poco frecuente en la actualidad.

Abstract The case is presented of a 69-year-old male patient with a history of arterial hypertension, smoking, stroke, atrial fibrillation, aortic regurgitation, and ischaemic heart disease, who was admitted to a tertiary hospital due to functional class deterioration, lower limb oedema, and episodes of palpitations. A normal ejection fraction, with severe aortic regurgitation and ascending aortic dilation with surgical criteria, was found on echocardiography. Within pre-surgical studies, the VDRL had high titres and confirmation of the diagnosis of syphilis with TP-PA. Aortic valve replacement was performed using a biological prosthesis and Dacron graft in the ascending aorta. The histopathology study of the surgical material confirmed syphilitic aortitis. A review is presented on the current status of this rare pathology.

Asymptomatic Cardiovascular Syphilis With Aortic Regurgitation Requiring Surgical Repair in an HIV-Infected Patient.

A 47-year-old man with HIV infection presented 10 years after initial secondary syphilis diagnosis and treatment for routine follow-up. His HIV was well controlled on antiretroviral therapy. Rapid plasma reagin was 1:1, and TP-PA was reactive. Physical examination revealed a wide pulse pressure, a systolic murmur, and an early diastolic decrescendo murmur. Echocardiogram revealed moderate to severe aortic regurgitation, and subsequent computed tomography angiogram showed a 6.8-cm fusiform aneurysm of the proximal ascending aorta. Aortic valve and ascending hemiarch replacement were performed. Pathology showed adventitial inflammation with plasma cells, gumma-like amorphous areas surrounded by histiocytes, and giant cells with calcified plaques. Cardiovascular syphilis, while rare, remains a relevant cause of aortic aneurysm, even in previously treated patients. The physical exam can be critical in identifying this potentially fatal complication.

Importance of anatomopathological analysis and histopathological examination for the diagnosis of suspected cases of syphilitic aneurysm / Importância da análise anatomopatológica e histopatológica para o diagnóstico de casos suspeitos de aneurisma sifilítico

Introduction: syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by mycobacterium Treponema pallidum in which in its tertiary stage can lead to an aortic syphilitic aneurysm. Currently, such cases are rare because of the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy. Objective: we aimed to carry out an anatomopathological analysis and histopathological examination of three cases potentially suspicious of aortic syphilitic aneurysm on human corpses. Methods: It was a descriptive study which 03 anatomic specimens of aortas from cadavers with ages ranging from 50 to 91 years obtained in Service checklist of deaths during the period from 2014 to 2015. We performed an anatomopathological and histopathological analysis with the use of special dyes. Results: through the macroscopic evaluation it was observed in all cases a dilation corresponding to arch of aorta where the intima obtained an aspect of longitudinal striation, classic of syphilitic process. As for histopathological study on the tissues treatment with the staining batteries, it was demonstrated the presence of the dissecting hematoma in all cases, besides necrosis and absence characteristic of the inflammatory process. Conclusion: the anatomopathological and histopathological study are diagnostic tools which have specific characteristics and are directed to assist in preliminary diagnosis of suspected cases of aortic syphilitic aneurysm in necropsies.

Introdução: a sífilis é uma doença sexualmente transmissível causada pela micobactéria Treponema pallidum em que, em seu estágio terciário, pode levar à um aneurisma aórtico sifilítico. Atualmente, esses casos são raros devido à eficácia da terapia com antibióticos. Objetivo: objetivou-se realizar uma análise anatomopatológica e exame histopatológico de três casos potencialmente suspeitos de aneurisma sifilítico aórtico em cadáveres humanos. Métodos: Estudo descritivo que avaliou 03 amostras anatômicas de aortas oriundas de cadáveres com idades variando de 50 a 91 anos, obtidas no Verificação de Serviço de óbitos no período de 2014 a 2015. Realizamos uma análise anatomopatológica e histopatológica com o uso de corantes especiais. Resultados: através da avaliação macroscópica observou-se em todos os casos uma dilatação correspondente ao arco de aorta onde a íntima obteve um aspecto de estriado longitudinal, clássico do processo sifilítico. Quanto ao estudo histopatológico dos tecidos tratados com as baterias de coloração, foi demonstrada a presença do hematoma dissecante em todos os casos, além da necrose e ausência característica do processo inflamatório. Conclusão: o estudo anatomopatológico e histopatológico são ferramentas diagnósticas com características específicas e orientadas a auxiliar no diagnóstico preliminar de casos suspeitos de aneurisma sifilítico aórtico em necropsias.

Aneurisma del tronco de la coronaria izquierda e insuficiencia aórtica de origen sifilítico.: Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Aneurysm of the left main coronary artery and aortic insufficiency of syphilitic origin: Case report and literature review / Aneurisma do tronco da artéria coronária esquerda e insuficiência aórtica de origem sifilítico: Relato de caso e revisão da literatura

Los aneurismas de las arterias coronarias son muy raros. Ocurren más frecuentemente en la arteria coronaria derecha, seguidos por los de la arteria coronaria descendente anterior y circunfleja. Los aneurismas del tronco de la arteria coronaria izquierda son aún más raros. La enfermedad más frecuentemente asociada a esta entidad es la aterosclerosis coronaria con estenosis severas en las zonas adyacentes a los mismos. La sífilis terciaria con manifestaciones cardiovasculares puede producir aortitis, insuficiencia aórtica, miocarditis y aneurismas o estenosis de las coronarias. El estándar de oro para el diagnóstico de los aneurismas coronarios es la angiografía coronaria y su tratamiento dependerá de la etiología y localización de los mismos. El tratamiento antibiótico en sífilis terciaria es imperativo; sin embargo no existe consenso en cuanto al tratamiento de los aneurismas coronarios en ausencia de obstrucciones. El tratamiento a largo plazo con anticoagulantes orales puede estar recomendado en este tipo de pacientes.

Aneurysms of the coronary arteries are very rare. Occur more frequently in the right coronary artery, followed by those of the left anterior descending coronary artery and circumflex. Aneurysms of the left main coronary artery are even more rare. The disease most often associated with this pathology is coronary atherosclerosis with severe stenosis in the section adjacent to them. Tertiary syphilis with cardiovascular manifestations can produce aortitis, aortic insufficiency, myocarditis and aneurysms or coronary stenosis. The gold standard for diagnosis of coronary aneurysms is coronary angiography and treatment depends on the etiology and location thereof. Antibiotic treatment in tertiary syphilis is imperative; however there is no consensus on the treatment of coronary aneurysms in the absence of obstructions. The long-term treatment with oral anticoagulants may be recommended in these patients.

Os aneurismas das artérias coronárias são muito raros. Ocorrem com mais frequência na artéria coronária direita, seguido por aqueles da artéria coronária descendente anterior e circunflexa. Os aneurismas do tronco da artéria coronária esquerda são ainda mais raros. A doença mais frequentemente associado com esta entidade é a aterosclerose coronária com estenose grave nas áreas adjacentes aos mesmos. A sífilis terciária com manifestações cardiovasculares pode produzir aortite, insuficiência aórtica, miocardite e aneurismas ou estenose coronária. O padrão ouro para o diagnóstico de aneurismas coronários é a angiografia coronária e tratamento depende da etiologia e localização dos mesmos. O tratamento com antibióticos na sífilis terciária é imperativo; no entanto, não existe consenso sobre o tratamento de aneurismas coronários em ausência de obstruções. O tratamento prolongado com anticoagulantes orais pode ser recomendado nestes pacientes.

Cardiovascular syphilis complicated by Lower thoracic and upper abdominal aneurysm - A rare case report.

A 50-year-old male presented with left lower abdominal pain, visible pulsation below xiphoid process, and tenderness in the left iliac fossa for the past 10 days. Chest X-ray revealed blunting of left cardiophrenic angle. Echocardiogram revealed descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the chest and abdomen revealed dissecting aneurysm of lower thoracic and upper abdominal aorta. Thoracoabdominal aortogram revealed erosion of D12 vertebra and infected aneurysm of adjacent thoracoabdominal aorta. Serum venereal disease research laboratory assay was positive in 1:4 dilution Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay was positive. The patient was treated with Injection procaine penicillin for 20 days undercover of steroids. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was normal. Aortic aneurysm repair with reconstruction was done. Histopathology was in favor of syphilitic etiology. This case is being presented as descending thoracic and upper abdominal aortic aneurysm due to syphilis complicated by dissection and erosion of vertebral body is rare and has not been reported nowadays to the best of our knowledge.