Elevated Lipoprotein(a) Levels and Massive Ruptured Root and Ascending Aortic Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND

Rupture of a root and ascending aortic aneurysm is a rare, life-threatening condition requiring prompt recognition and surgical intervention. Elevated lipoprotein(a) levels have been implicated in vascular pathology but are less studied in thoracic aneurysms.

CASE SUMMARY

A 61-year-old man who presented with severe dyspnea and chest tightness was found to have a 7.3-cm ruptured root and ascending aortic aneurysm with elevated lipoprotein(a) (233 nmol/L). He underwent emergency surgery, including a mechanical Bentall procedure, ascending aortic and hemiarch replacement, and bilateral pericardiectomy. At follow-up, he was clinically stable with a well-seated valve conduit and no complications.

DISCUSSION

This case suggests a potential association between elevated lipoprotein(a) and thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture, possibly linked its proatherogenic and proinflammatory properties in vascular pathology. Further investigations are needed to clarify its role in aneurysm risk stratification.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGES: Elevated lipoprotein(a) may contribute to thoracic aortic aneurysm progression. Its role in risk stratification warrants further investigation.