case_images: PMC3203977_01
case_images: External macroscopic aspect of the ascending aorta segment.
case_images: cln-66-11-1995-g001.jpg
case_images: PMC3203977_01_cln-66-11-1995-g001.jpg
case_images: f1-cln_66p1995
case_images: After the pericardiotomy, we noticed an uncommon aspect of the ascending aorta, with an irregular surface and thinned dilated areas with soft superficial texture (Figure 1).
case_images: Internal macroscopic aspect of the ascending aorta segment. Note the multiple focal cavities of different sizes corresponding to the external dilations.
case_images: cln-66-11-1995-g002.jpg
case_images: PMC3203977_01_cln-66-11-1995-g002.jpg
case_images: f2-cln_66p1995
case_images: The internal aspect of the vessel was thickened, with multiple focal cavities of different sizes corresponding to the external dilatations; no thrombi were found (Figure 2).
case_images: A) Aorta segment on the level of the little saccular dilations on the aneurysmatic wall showing a severe lack of smooth muscle cells (Tricromic of Masson, 50x). B) "Proteoglycan lakes" are related to the areas of widespread loss of elastic fibers (Alcian Blue, 200x). C) Intense elastic fiber fragmentation area (Verhoeff, 200x).
case_images: cln-66-11-1995-g003.jpg
case_images: PMC3203977_01_cln-66-11-1995-g003.jpg
case_images: f3-cln_66p1995
case_images: Areas of medial cystic degeneration with saccular dilations were observed to be diffusely distributed; inflammation was absent (Figure 3-A,B,C).
case_images: Angiotomographic construction in three dimensions of the aorta and its branches. No evidence of further injury. Proper positioning of the aortic vascular Dacron graft and the aortic mechanic valve prosthesis.
case_images: cln-66-11-1995-g004.jpg
case_images: PMC3203977_01_cln-66-11-1995-g004.jpg
case_images: f4-cln_66p1995
case_images: Furthermore, the prosthetic graft in the ascending aorta and the mechanic valve prosthesis in the aortic position were properly positioned (Figure 4).