Aortic root dilation secondary to giant cell aortitis in a human immunodeficiency virus-positive patient

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2006 Aug;30(2):400-1. doi: 10.1016/j.ejcts.2006.04.039. Epub 2006 Jul 7.

Abstract

HIV-associated vasculitis rarely involves the aorta. There is no well-established association of HIV and giant cell arteritis. We present the case of a 31-year-old HIV positive Indian woman who was referred to us with complaints of dyspnea and chest pain. Physical examination revealed a diastolic murmur in the aortic area and echocardiography showed a dilated aortic root causing severe aortic regurgitation. She was being adequately treated with anti-HIV therapy. She underwent aortic valve and root replacement and the histopathological findings of the aortic specimen showed giant cell arteritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aorta / pathology
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / surgery
  • Aortic Valve Insufficiency / virology*
  • Dilatation, Pathologic / virology
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Arteritis / virology*
  • HIV Seropositivity / complications*
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation
  • Humans