Infiltrating Angiosarcoma of the Ascending, Arch and Descending Aorta Manifested as Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

Abstract

Primary malignant aortic tumors are rare and aggressive. Most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages or during autopsies with a median overall survival of 8 months from diagnosis. We present the case of a 59-year-old male with angiosarcoma involving all segments of the thoracic aorta and a large floating thrombus causing acute mesenteric ischemia, which was treated successfully with embolectomy. Graft replacement of the aorta should be considered in cases of localized disease and when patients are fit for surgery. The best medical and surgical treatment remains unclear, and further studies are needed.

Keywords

• sarcoma
• angiosarcoma
• aorta
• aortic tumor
• intimal sarcoma