Dysphagia and Dysphonia due to Aortic Ulcer

Abstract

One of the diseases of the aorta is acute aortic syndrome, a modern term that includes aortic dissection, intramural hematoma and penetrating aortic ulcer. Penetrating aortic ulcer is the rarest variety of acute aortic syndrome and usually manifests with chest pain. Its diagnosis, in most cases, is made on the basis of imaging. We present the case of a 59-year-old male patient who was admitted to the Hospital EsSalud Victor Lazarte Echegaray for dysphagia, dysphonia and weight loss; he was cachectic and could not stand upright due to weakness. Laboratory tests showed anemia, severe hypoalbuminemia, increased CRP and altered liver function tests. Chest CT was requested and images compatible with aneurysms of the thoracic descending aorta and aortic ulcer were found. This case presented atypical symptoms. Penetrating aortic ulcer is concluded to be less common than classic aortic dissection; it is often unrecognized and misclassified as aortic dissection at presentation.