Aortitis with multiple aneurysms mimicking infective endocarditis

Aortitis usually produces aortic insufficiency by aortic root dilation. In rare cases the inflammation may involve the aortic valve cusps, causing val vular insufficiency. A patient in whom aortitis produced valvular masses, w ith aortic and peripheral arterial aneurysms, embolic episodes and aortic i nsufficiency is described. Valve replacement for suspected infective endoca rditis was complicated by homograft dehiscence and multiple false aneurysms . Although immunosuppression was successful in decreasing the patient's vas culitis, he became infected and died of complications of aspergillus infect ion.