Aneurisma aórtico e insuficiencia valvular severa por sífilis terciaria en paciente joven, una enfermedad desatendida / Aortic aneurysm and severe valvular insufficiency due to tertiary syphilis in a young patient, a neglected disease / Aneurisma da aorta e insuficiência valvular grave devido à sífilis terciária em um paciente jovem, uma doença negligenciada

La sífilis es causada por Treponema pallidum, es reconocida por la variedad de sus manifestaciones clínicas; compromete el sistema nervioso, tegumentario y cardiovascular. Las alteraciones cardiovasculares ocurren en 70% de los casos con sífilis no tratada, el 71% de las aortitis sifilíticas desarrollan aneurismas aórticos y la complicación más frecuente es la insuficiencia aórtica. El tratamiento va dirigido a la enfermedad subyacente, con manejo antibiótico para la sífilis terciaria y las complicaciones tromboembólicas y si requiere reparación quirúrgica. Presentamos un caso poco frecuente de un paciente diagnosticado de infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana y complicaciones cardiovasculares típicas de la sífilis terciaria, que precisó tratamiento médico y quirúrgico, que fue exitoso. Destacamos la pericia clínica de los profesionales de nuestra institución para diagnosticar e identificar las complicaciones cardiovasculares de la sífilis terciaria.

Syphilis is caused by Treponema pallidum and is recognized by the variety of its clinical manifestations; it involves the nervous, integumentary and cardiovascular systems. Cardiovascular alterations occur in 70% of cases with untreated syphilis, 71% of syphilitic aortitis develop aortic aneurysms and the most frequent complication is aortic insufficiency. Treatment is directed at the underlying disease, with antibiotic treatment for tertiary syphilis and thromboembolic complications and if necessary surgical repair. We present a rare case of a patient diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus infection and cardiovascular complications typical of tertiary syphilis, who required medical and surgical treatment, which was successful. We highlight the clinical experience of our institution's professionals in the diagnosis and identification of cardiovascular complications of tertiary syphilis.

A sífilis é causada pelo Treponema pallidum e é reconhecida pela variedade de suas manifestações clínicas; ela afeta os sistemas nervoso, tegumentar e cardiovascular. As alterações cardiovasculares ocorrem em 70% dos casos de sífilis não tratada, 71% dos casos de aortite sifilítica desenvolvem aneurismas aórticos e a complicação mais frequente é a insuficiência aórtica. O tratamento é direcionado para a doença subjacente, com tratamento antibiótico para sífilis terciária e complicações tromboembólicas e, se necessário, reparo cirúrgico. Apresentamos um caso raro de um paciente diagnosticado com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e complicações cardiovasculares típicas da sífilis terciária, que precisou de tratamento médico e cirúrgico, que foi bem-sucedido. Apresentamos um caso raro de um paciente com diagnóstico de infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana e complicações cardiovasculares típicas da sífilis terciária, que necessitou de tratamento médico e cirúrgico, o qual foi bem-sucedido. Destacamos a experiência clínica dos profissionais de nossa instituição no diagnóstico e na identificação das complicações cardiovasculares da sífilis terciária.

Contained rupture of an aortic arch aneurysm in a patient with syphilitic aortitis. A case report / Ruptura contida de um aneurisma do arco aórtico em paciente com aortite sifilítica. Um relato de caso

Abstract Syphilitic aortitis is a rare complication of tertiary syphilis, which can lead to aortic aneurysm formation, aortic valvular insufficiency, and ostial coronary stenosis. Syphilis has re-emerged worldwide over recent decades and vascular surgeons should be aware of its cardiovascular manifestations. Atypical clinical presentation, such as hemoptysis and a computed tomography angiography pattern of a thicker aneurysmal wall with ulcer-like aneurysm projections, should raise suspicion of syphilitic aortic aneurysm. An early diagnosis and appropriate surgical and medical therapies significantly contribute to successful treatment and favorable prognosis. Herein is reported the case of an 82-year-old male patient, positive for syphilis infection, with impending aortic arch aneurysm rupture treated with a hybrid arch repair. After 7 months, the patient was brought to the emergency room in cardiac arrest. Unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers were performed, and an autopsy showed cardiac tamponade due to rupture of the ascending aorta.

Resumo A aortite sifilítica é uma complicação rara da sífilis terciária, que pode levar a formação de aneurisma aórtico, insuficiência valvar aórtica e estenose ostial coronariana. Ao longo das últimas décadas, a sífilis ressurgiu ao redor do mundo, e os cirurgiões vasculares devem estar atentos às suas manifestações cardiovasculares. Apresentações clínicas atípicas, como a hemoptise, e um padrão na angiotomografia computadorizada de parede aneurismática mais grossa com projeções de aneurisma com aparência de úlcera devem levantar a suspeita de aneurisma sifilítico da aorta. O diagnóstico precoce e terapias cirúrgica e clínica adequadas contribuem significativamente para um tratamento bem-sucedido e prognóstico favorável. Relatamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino, de 82 anos, que apresentou infecção por sífilis com ruptura iminente de aneurisma do arco aórtico. Ele foi tratado com reparo híbrido do arco. Após 7 meses, o paciente deu entrada na emergência com parada cardiorrespiratória. As manobras de reanimação cardiopulmonar foram realizadas, mas não obtiveram sucesso, e a autópsia mostrou tamponamento cardíaco devido à ruptura da aorta ascendente.

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 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.

Aneurysm and dissection in a patient with syphilitic aortitis

ABSTRACT In the antibiotic era, aortic aneurysm is a rare complication of syphilis, what makes the diagnostic assumption even more difficult. Nonetheless, this condition should be suspected in patients with aortic aneurysm. Reports of aortic dissection complicating syphilitic aortitis have been distinctly rare in the literature, and their cause-effect relationship has not been definitely established. In this case report, we present a 62-year-old woman with aortic aneurysm and dissection associated with an unexpected diagnosis of syphilitic aortitis.

Aneurisma aórtico sifilítico en la era antibiótica, una vieja enfermedad con nueva historia / Syphilitic aortic aneurysm in the antibiotic era, an old disease with a new history

Los aneurismas de la aorta abdominal se presentan en el 5% a 10% de hombres entre 65 a 79 años de edad; es una patología multicausal que finalmente destruye la túnica media y altera la conformación de las fibras de colágeno de la pared arterial. Entre las principales causas se cita la aterosclerosis, enfermedades hereditarias (como el síndrome de Marfán), patologías inflamatorias y con baja prevalencia a la acción de agentes infecciosos (Salmonella, estafilococo dorado, Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Treponema pallidum). Se presenta el caso de un paciente con aneurisma de origen sifilítico, considerado una rareza médica en países desarrollados. No existen reportes en el país sobre casos de sífilis terciaria cardiovascular. Se complementa con una revisión bibliográfica de la epidemiología, clínica, diagnóstico y manejo. (AU)

Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in 5% to 10% of men between 65 and 79 years of age. It has a multicausal pathology that ultimately destroys the tunica media and alters the conformation of the collagen fibers of the arterial wall. The main causes include atherosclerosis, hereditary diseases (such as Marfan syndrome), inflammatory pathologies and low prevalence of infectious agents (Salmonella, staphylococcus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Treponema pallidum). We present the case of a patient with an aneurysm of syphilitic origin, considered a medical rarity in developed countries. There are no reports in the country on cases of cardiovascular tertiary syphilis. It is complemented with a scientific literature review of epidemiology, clinical diagnosis and management. (AU)

Aneurysm and dissection in a patient with syphilitic aortitis.

In the antibiotic era, aortic aneurysm is a rare complication of syphilis, what makes the diagnostic assumption even more difficult. Nonetheless, this condition should be suspected in patients with aortic aneurysm. Reports of aortic dissection complicating syphilitic aortitis have been distinctly rare in the literature, and their cause-effect relationship has not been definitely established. In this case report, we present a 62-year-old woman with aortic aneurysm and dissection associated with an unexpected diagnosis of syphilitic aortitis.

Probable Syphilitic Aortitis Documented by Positron Emission Tomography.

Positron emission tomography (PET) has been used to aid in diagnosis of inflammatory and infectious disease. We describe the case of a patient with early latent syphilis with increased metabolic activity along the aorta detected via PET, suggesting probable aortitis. Three months after treatment, the PET showed apparent resolution of the aortitis.

Aneurisma de tronco arterial braquiocefálico asociado a erosión esternal. Reporte de un caso / Aneurisma de tronco arterial braquiocefálico associado a erosåo esternal. relato de um caso / Brachiocephalic arterial trunk aneurysm associated with sternal erosion. Report of a case

La aortitis sifilítica es frecuentemente asociada a aneurismas y/o enfermedad coronaria estenótica ostial, sin embargo este tipo de lesiones son raramente reportadas. Se reporta un caso deaneurisma de tronco arterial braquiocefálico con compresión y desplazamiento de estructuras vecinas,erosión esternal y su tratamiento...

A aortitis sifilítica é frequentemente associada a aneurisma e/ou enfermedade estenotica ostial, sem no entanto este tipo de lesão são raramente reportadas. Apresentamos um caso de aneurisma do tronco arterial braquiocefálico com compressão e deslocamento de estrcturas vizinhas, erosão esternal e seu tratamento...

Syphilitic aortitis is often associated with aneurysms and ostial stenotic coronary however such injuries are rarely reported. We report a case of brachiocephalic arterial trunk aneurysm with compression and displacement of neighboring structures, sternal erosion and its treatment...

Obstrução coronária biostial e insuficiência aórtica acentuada em pacientes com aortite sifilítica / Biostial coronary obstructionn and severe aortic regurgitation in a patient with syphilitic aortitis

A sífilis incide em 2,1% na população sexualmente ativa no Brasil, e em 30% dos casos não-tratados evolui para a forma terciária. Relatamos um caso de paciente com angina progressiva, com evidência de obstrução coronária biostial e insuficiência valvar aórtica acentuada à coronariografia. O paciente foi submetido a revascularização cirúrgica do miocárdio, associada a troca valvar aórtica. Em decorrência da suspeita de sífilis nos achados do intraoperatório (acúmulo de material caseoso na aorta e calcificação envolvendo os óstios coronários), foram solicitados os testes VDRL e FTA-Abs, que se revelaram positivos. O paciente recebeu alta, com a prescrição de penicilina G benzatina (2,4 milhões de unidades, uma vez por semana, por 3 semanas).

Syphilis has an incidence of 2.1% in the sexually active population in Brazil and evolves into its tertiary form in 30% of the non-treated cases. This is a case of a patient with progressive angina, evidence of biostial coronary obstruction and severe aortic valve insufficiency at coronary angiography. Patient was submitted to coronary artery bypass grafting, associated to aortic valve replacement. Because of the suspicion of syphilis in the intraoperatory findings (accumulation of caseous material in the aorta and calcification involving the coronary ostia), VDRL and FTA-Abs tests were required and results were positive. Patient was discharged and was prescribed Penicillin G Benzathine (2.4 million units, once a week, for 3 weeks).

Syphilitic aortitis: diagnosis and treatment. Case report.

Aortitis is one of the many possibilities of lesion caused by tertiary syphilis. Between all the cardiovascular lesions, the aorta's injury is the most common. We report a case of a 48-year-old patient diagnosed with syphilitic aortitis who had undergone surgery for the replacement of the aortic root and aortic valve. The diagnosis hypothesis was pondered because of the in situ aspect of the arterial damage. Although the rarity of the disease, it persists.

Chronic syphilitic aortic aneurysm complicated with chronic aortic dissection.

BACKGROUND: Historically, tertiary syphilis infection has been the most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm, resulting in 5% to 10% of cardiovascular deaths until the era of antibiotics. METHODS: A 49-year-old Caucasian man presented to our institution with progressive dysphagia, weight loss, incomplete bladder emptying, alcohol and tobacco consumption, systemic arterial hypertension, Argyll Robertson pupil, leg paresthesias, and mediastinal widening. He was admitted to investigate clinical alterations. Thoracic computed tomography revealed an aortic aneurysm complicated with chronic aortic dissection from the ascending aorta to the iliac vessels with 2 communicating lumens. Cerebrospinal fluid examination tested positive for neurosyphilis in a venereal disease research laboratory test (titre 1/32). RESULTS: Chronic syphilitic aortic aneurysm complicated with chronic aortic dissection was diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: This is a unique presentation of a syphilitic infection. Syphilitic aortitis, the hallmark of cardiovascular syphilis, has become rare and is hardly considered by today's clinicians in their differential diagnosis.

Aortite sifilítica: diagnóstico e tratamento. Relato de caso / Syphilitic aortitis: diagnosis and treatment. Case report

A aortite é uma das muitas possibilidades de lesão produzida pela sífilis terciária. Dentro das lesões cardiovasculares, o acometimento da aorta é o mais comum. Apresentamos o caso de um paciente de 48 anos, diagnosticado com aortite sifilítica, sendo realizada cirurgia para substituição de raiz da aorta e valva aórtica. A hipótese diagnóstica foi devido ao aspecto do dano arterial in situ. Apesar da raridade da doença atualmente, ainda é uma possibilidade.

Aortitis is one of the many possibilities of lesion caused by tertiary syphilis. Between all the cardiovascular lesions, the aorta's injury is the most common. We report a case of a 48-year-old patient diagnosed with syphilitic aortitis who had undergone surgery for the replacement of the aortic root and aortic valve. The diagnosis hypothesis was pondered because of the in situ aspect of the arterial damage. Although the rarity of the disease, it persists.

Occlusion of the left coronary trunk secondary to tertiary syphilis.

A 27-year-old patient with tertiary syphilis, manifested as myocardial ischemia, presenting unstable angina, secondary to left coronary trunk occlusion. The diagnosis was confirmed by the serological findings and the pathological assessment of the aorta fragment.

Tronco de coronária esquerda ocluso secundário a Lues terciária / Tronco de coronaria izquierda ocluido secundario a Lúes terciaria / Occlusion of the left coronary trunk secondary to tertiary syphilis

Paciente de 27 anos, portador de sífilis terciária, manifestando isquemia miocárdica, com angina instável, secundária à oclusão do tronco da coronária esquerda. O diagnóstico foi confirmado pelos achados da sorologia e da patologia do fragmento da aorta.

A 27-year-old patient with tertiary syphilis, manifested as myocardial ischemia, presenting unstable angina, secondary to left coronary trunk occlusion. The diagnosis was confirmed by the serological findings and the pathological assessment of the aorta fragment.

Paciente de 27 años, portador de sífilis terciaria, manifestando isquemia miocárdica, con angina inestable, secundaria a la oclusión del tronco de la coronaria izquierda. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por los resultados de la serología y de la patología del fragmento de la aorta.

[Bilateral ostial coronary lesion in cardiovascular syphilis: case report]. / Lesão bilateral dos óstios coronários na sífilis cardiovascular: relato de caso.

Syphilis is an infectious disease occurring through a series of frequently overlapping stages. It can impair the cardiovascular and neurological system. In 30% of the non treated patients, syphilis develops its tertiary form. We report a case of a 46-year-old male patient admitted due to edema pulmonary and acute coronary syndrome with left bundle branch block, submitted to fibrinolytic therapy successfully. Coronary angiography showed a 90% ostial lesion of left main coronary artery and occlusion of the right coronary artery ostium. VDRL was titrated to 1/128. The patient was undergone to CABG and was discharged after treatment with crystalline penicillin.

Lesão bilateral dos óstios coronários na sífilis cardiovascular: relato de caso / Bilateral ostial coronary lesion in cardiovascular syphilis: case report

A sífilis é uma doença infecciosa que se desenvolve em estágios e pode acometer o sistema cardiovascular e neurológico. Em 30 por cento dos pacientes não tratados, a sífilis desenvolve sua forma terciária. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 46 anos, admitido por edema pulmonar agudo por cardiopatia isquêmica com bloqueio completo do ramo esquerdo, submetido a terapia fibrinolítica com sucesso. Angiografia coronária mostrou lesão ostial de 90 por cento na artéria coronária esquerda e oclusão do óstio da artéria coronária direita. Os títulos de VDRL foram de 1/128. O paciente foi submetido a revascularização do miocárdio e recebeu alta após tratamento antibiótico com penicilina cristalina.

Syphilis is an infectious disease occurring through a series of frequently overlapping stages. It can impair the cardiovascular and neurological system. In 30 percent of the non treated patients, syphilis develops your tertiary form. We report a case of a 46-year-old male patient admitted due to edema pulmonary and acute coronary syndrome with left bundle branch block, submitted to fibrinolytic therapy successfully. Coronary angiography showed a 90 percent ostial lesion of left main coronary artery and occlusion of the right coronary artery ostium. VDRL was titrated to 1/128. The patient was undergone to CABG and was discharged after treatment with crystalline penicillin.

Sífilis cardiovascular: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Cardiovascular syphilis: diagnosis, treatment

Cardiovascular tertiary syphilis may lead to aortitis, aortic aneurism, coronary stenosis, aortic insufficiency and, rarely, to myocarditis. The physician must be familiar with the clinical presentations of this process, including the asymptomatic variety and must be able to have an organized plan for the diagnosis and evaluation to establish or exclude the presence of cardiovascular pathology and the differential diagnosis with other entities. Once the etiologic and topographic diagnosis is established, the patient should be treated with penicillin, doxicycline and other antibiotics, and the consequences of the disorder, both actual and potential, should be considered before deciding weather to recommend surgical intervention. Although late syphilis can be prevented by appropriate therapy of early syphilis, this is a cardiovascular disease that most likely will continue to be diagnosed lately. Understanding of the pathology and pathophysiology of the disease, is most important for its prompt recognition and subsequent management. This paper reviews the natural history, diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular syphilis.

[Cardiovascular syphilis: diagnosis, treatment]. / Sífilis cardiovascular: diagnóstico y tratamiento.

Cardiovascular tertiary syphilis may lead to aortitis, aortic aneurism, coronary stenosis, aortic insufficiency and, rarely, to myocarditis. The physician must be familiar with the clinical presentations of this process, including the asymptomatic variety and must be able to have an organized plan for the diagnosis and evaluation to establish or exclude the presence of cardiovascular pathology and the differential diagnosis with other entities. Once the etiologic and topographic diagnosis is established, the patient should be treated with penicillin, doxicycline and other antibiotics, and the consequences of the disorder, both actual and potential, should be considered before deciding weather to recommend surgical intervention. Although late syphilis can be prevented by appropriate therapy of early syphilis, this is a cardiovascular disease that most likely will continue to be diagnosed lately. Understanding of the pathology and pathophysiology of the disease, is most important for its prompt recognition and subsequent management. This paper reviews the natural history, diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular syphilis.