Double-layer repair of a tuberculous ascending aortic aneurysm: a case report and literature review.

INTRODUCTION AND

IMPORTANCE

Tuberculous aneurysm of the ascending aorta is extremely rare and life-threatening, particularly in elderly patients. Early recognition and appropriate surgical management are essential to prevent fatal rupture.

CASE PRESENTATION: An 84-year-old man presented with hemoptysis and chest tightness. Computed tomography revealed a saccular aneurysm of the ascending aorta with sternal erosion. During surgery, the aneurysm showed a caseous appearance with dense adhesions and infiltration into adjacent tissue. Frozen section demonstrated granulomatous inflammation suggesting tuberculous aortitis, which was later confirmed by postoperative Xpert MTB/RIF assay. A double-layer aortic repair was performed using an inner bovine pericardial patch and an outer Gelweave graft. The patient recovered well under antituberculous therapy and remained stable at 7-month follow-up.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Tuberculous aortitis in elderly patients is challenging due to degenerative aortic wall changes and hypertension. Intraoperative frozen section combined with gross findings played a key role in guiding the surgical strategy. The double-layer repair provided infection control and mechanical durability, consistent with current literature supporting biologic-synthetic hybrid reconstruction in infected aneurysms.

CONCLUSION

A tuberculous aneurysm of the ascending aorta should be considered in atypical cases presenting with hemoptysis. In elderly patients with degenerative aortic walls and hypertension, double-layer repair offers effective infection control and durability when combined with appropriate antituberculous therapy. Early diagnosis and tailored surgical planning are crucial for favorable outcomes.