Giant ascending aortic aneurysm: A rare case report

Abstract

A giant ascending aortic aneurysm (AscAA), defined as an aneurysm larger than 10 cm, is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that often remains asymptomatic until it reaches a critical size. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause in elderly patients, and imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosis and management. In this case, a 72-year-old man presented with intermittent sharp chest pain radiating to the back, progressive hoarseness over 5 years, and shortness of breath. Imaging revealed a 12.51 cm × 11.27 cm × 10.0 cm saccular aneurysm with calcified plaques, consistent with a Stanford Type A aortic aneurysm and underlying atherosclerosis. Surgical intervention remains the only definitive treatment, although it carries significant risks. Early diagnosis, timely surgical intervention, and postoperative surveillance are critical in improving patient outcomes for this high-risk condition.