Unexpected giant cell aortitis in a young patient.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Giant cell aortitis is a rare cause of ascending aortic aneurysm disease. Patients presenting with aneurysms caused by giant cell aortitis are at high risk of devastating complications.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 35-year-old female with an ascending aortic aneurysm, underwent an aortic root and ascending aorta replacement and subsequently was found to have giant cell aortitis on histopathology.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This case illustrates a very rare cause for aortopathy in a young healthy patient, who may have ruptured or dissected, if not for timely operative intervention.