Combined Cardiovascular Syphilis and Type A Acute Aortic Dissection

The occurrence of acute aortic dissection with the initiating tear in the ascending aorta superimposed on cardiovascular syphilis is an exceedingly rare occurrence. Such was the case, however, in a recently seen patient who presented with typical features of acute dissection (type A). Operative repair yielded the entire ascending aorta to examine both grossly and histologically and classic features of both conditions were observed. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The occurrence of acute aortic dissection combined with cardiovascular syphilis is extremely rare, but a recently observed case presented with both conditions. Through operative repair, the entire ascending aorta was examined, revealing classic features of both diseases.