Aneurysmatic dilatation of ascending aorta in a patient with beta-thalassemia and a pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like syndrome

Ann Hematol. 2004 Sep;83(9):596-9. doi: 10.1007/s00277-004-0859-6. Epub 2004 Mar 11.

Abstract

The development of a diffuse elastic tissue defect resembling pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a recently established and frequently encountered clinical entity in beta-thalassemia. The clinical spectrum of this disorder is not yet completely understood as it is continuously being enriched with novel complications that are often serious. We present here a thalassemia intermedia patient with typical PXE manifestations and a fusiform aneurysmatic dilatation of the ascending thoracic aorta, a previously unknown complication in these patients. An aortic aneurysm has itself a notable morbidity, while it may also impair the particularly susceptible cardiac function of beta-thalassemia patients, hence affecting the overall prognosis of the main disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aorta / pathology*
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / complications*
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum / complications*
  • Syndrome
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed
  • beta-Thalassemia / complications*
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy