Spontaneous regression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in an immunocompromised patient.
Spontaneous aneurysmal regression is a rare event, having been observed only in association with arteritides or immunosuppression following solid-organ transplantation. In particular, the spontaneous regression of an aortic aneurysm, to our knowledge, has never been documented. We report a case of a 46-year-old, HIV-positive, African-American man who developed an asymptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, which significantly regressed over a 6-month period in the absence of arteritides or systemic immunosuppressive therapy. This case describes the spontaneous regression of an inflammatory AAA in an HIV-positive patient. Further studies will be required to determine if this was an isolated occurrence or if it occurs with any frequency in specific patient populations.
Bellows
Patricia H
PH
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Methodist DeBakey Heart & Vascular Center, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas, USA.
Anaya-Ayala
Javier E
JE
Younes
Houssam K
HK
Charlton-Ouw
Kristofer M
KM
Bismuth
Jean
J
Davies
Mark G
MG
Peden
Eric K
EK
D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001027:Aortography; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed