Rupture of a pseudo aneurysm of the abdominal aorta in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has an impact on all systems of the body, including the cardiovascular system. A 54-year-old man presented with abdominal pain. Enhanced computed tomography revealed rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta. After surgery, the patient tested positive for HIV. Histological examination of the resected aorta showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis, a characteristic feature of HIV-related vasculitis. © 2011 The Editorial Committee of Annals of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery.