Acute Aorta Syndrome: A Case Study of Penetrating Aortic Ulcers in the Distal Abdominal Aorta

Abstract

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a relatively common finding on an ultrasound examination. Fusiform aneurysms are the type most frequently seen and are routine to interrogate by a sonographer. Acute aortic syndrome, however, is uncommon and considered a life-threatening, potentially fatal condition. Acute aortic syndrome encompasses 3 pathological states—aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, and intramural hematoma. Unlike fusiform aneurysms, these findings are rare to visualize and even more difficult to diagnosis via ultrasound. Interrogating this condition can be challenging for an inexperienced sonographer. An understanding of the different machine modalities, knobology, anatomy, and pathology is essential for proper evaluation. Penetrating aortic ulcers are normally found in the descending thoracic aorta and may be the least understood out of the 3. This case review will present 2 studies of penetrating aortic ulcers in uncommon locations found via ultrasound.