Spontaneous regression of an abdominal aortic aneurysm in an immunocompromised patient

Vasc Med. 2010 Aug;15(4):315-9. doi: 10.1177/1358863X10375331.

Abstract

Spontaneous aneurysmal regression is a rare event, having been observed only in association with arteritides or immunosuppression following solid-organ transplantation. In particular, the spontaneous regression of an aortic aneurysm, to our knowledge, has never been documented. We report a case of a 46-year-old, HIV-positive, African-American man who developed an asymptomatic juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, which significantly regressed over a 6-month period in the absence of arteritides or systemic immunosuppressive therapy. This case describes the spontaneous regression of an inflammatory AAA in an HIV-positive patient. Further studies will be required to determine if this was an isolated occurrence or if it occurs with any frequency in specific patient populations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / immunology*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / physiopathology*
  • Aortography
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed