A giant post-dissection aneurysm of the ascending aorta in an octogenarian.

Aneurysm formation is a well-known complication of untreated long-standing dissection of the aorta. Despite numerous advances in cardiac surgery, intrinsic diseases of the ascending aorta and aortic arch requiring surgical therapy, remain a technical challenge. However, surgery is the only option for effective treatment of ascending aorta aneurysm but carries an increased risk of severe morbidity and mortality, particularly in the elderly. We report on the successful repair of a giant ascending aorta aneurysm due to chronic dissection in an elderly woman with dyspnoea as main symptom.