Page created on November 26, 2018. Last updated on January 17, 2019 at 16:40
Organ: Aorta
Description:
The whole aortic segment is aneurysmal, so the aorta extremely dilated
Diagnosis: Luetic aortitis
Causes:
- Stage III syphilis
Theory:
Luetic aortitis is a condition characteristic for stage III syphilis. For syphilis to advance to stage III must many years pass after the initial infection. Luetic aortitis causes severe aneurysm formation, which can rupture the aorta.
Stage III syphilis is so rare nowadays due to antibiotics. It’s so rare that it’s rarely asked on the exam. That doesn’t mean that people never get it, so do study it!