Incidental finding of a giant aortic root aneurysm and its repair.

The prevalence of aortic aneurysms is 3-4% in individuals more than 65 years. Age and haemodynamic factors play an important role in the development of aortic aneurysms. Most patients with aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic at the time of discovery. Thoracic aneurysms are usually found incidentally after chest radiographs or other imaging studies. The most common complications of thoracic aortic aneurysms are acute rupture or dissection. Some patients present with tender or painful nonruptured aneurysms. Patients are thought to be at increased risk for rupture and should undergo surgical repair on an emergent basis We document a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with shortness of breath. On evaluation, he was found to have severe aortic regurgitation and large aortic root aneurysm. Patient underwent successful open heart surgery. Aortic root and aortic valve were replaced with valve conduit and coronary arteries were re-implanted. Patient had an uneventful recovery.