Acute aortic syndrome--penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer with contained rupture managed by endovascular stent-grafting.

ABSTRACT

We present the case of a hypertensive male who came with acute onset of severe backache and hypotension. Emergency imaging revealed a penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of descending thoracic aorta with contained rupture and bilateral hemothorax. Initially stabilised with medical management, this patient went on to undergo endovascular stent-grafting. The sequence of clinical events of this uncommon entity and the relatively novel interventional modality are reviewed.