[Syphilitic aortitis and "accelerated" atherosclerosis]

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss. 1998 Sep;91(9):1183-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

The authors present the case of a 42 year old patient admitted for surgery of massive aortic regurgitation. Investigation of this patient who had no significant cardiovascular risk factors, showed diffuse and accelerated atherosclerosis (severe stenosis at the origin of both subclavian arteries at both superficial femoral arteries). Tertiary syphilis with neurological involvement and aortitis was confirmed by histological examination (peroperative biopsy of the aortic wall). This case is unusual due to the association of early atherosclerosis with tertiary syphilis and raises the question of the causality of syphilis in the generation of these atherosclerotic lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Arteriosclerosis / etiology*
  • Femoral Artery / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Subclavian Vein / pathology
  • Syphilis, Cardiovascular / complications*