Asymptomatic thoracic aortic aneurysm in a resource limited hospital in a 70-year-old man

Abstract

Aortic aneurysm is a term used to describe more than 50% dilatation of a segment of the aorta (artery) from its original diameter. The etiological factors include hypertension, artherosclerosis, trauma, congenital syphilis, mycotic bacterial dissection, inflammation etc. A case of a 70-year-old man with well-controlled long-standing hypertension whose check chest X-ray showed aortic aneurysm as an incidental finding which latera ruptured was discussed. The case report discusses the importance of follow up imaging in a hypertensive patient even with regular medication as absence of routine medical checkup including X-ray may lead to missing important complication like aortic aneurysm that can rupture if untreated. This is what prompted this case report so as to underscore the importance of at least check chest radiograph in a hypertensive patient.