Fulton J O, Zilla P, De Groot K M, Von Oppell U O
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa.
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 1996;10(10):922-4. doi: 10.1016/s1010-7940(96)80324-1.
Syphilitic aortic aneurysms are uncommon today. A syphilitic aneurysm eroding through the anterior chest wall with successful surgical treatment is reported. The large size these aneurysms reach, in conjunction with the overlying pressure-induced skin necrosis necrosis can represent a technical challenge to the surgeon, both in the method of repairing the aneurysm as well as reconstructing the chest wall. Syphilitic aortic disease is also briefly reviewed.
