Aortic Angiosarcoma

Abstract: Primary aortic tumors are rare, difficult to diagnose, and often fatal. This case and a review of the literature identified aortic tumors as a potential source of emboli leading to acute mesenteric insufficiency. The case showed the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing and determining the extent and location of an aortic tumor.

Abstract: Aortic angiosarcoma is a rare malignancy. Clinical diagnosis is difficult, as the presenting symptoms mimic more common aortic lesions, particularly atherosclerosis. Dermatologists and dermatopathologists play a critical role in recognizing cutaneous metastases as a manifestation of this life-threatening tumor. We describe the fourth case of aortic angiosarcoma in the literature with initial presentation in the skin.

Abstract: Fewer than 140 cases of aortic sarcoma have been reported with only 34 classified as angiosarcoma. These rare malignancies most often mimic aortoiliac occlusive or aneurysmal arteriosclerotic disease both clinically and on imaging studies, and the large majority are unexpected and diagnosed pathologically on a surgical specimen or at autopsy [1–5]. A 42-year-old woman who presented with low back pain and claudication was shown by CT and angiography to have infrarenal aortic occlusion. Angiosarcoma was an unexpected pathologic diagnosis based on tissue removed during aortobifemoral bypass surgery. Pre and postoperative CT and angiography are presented along with a review of the literature.