ASYMPTOMATIC AORTIC DISSECTION IN A PATIE NT WITH VALVULAR AORTIC PROSTHESIS

The occurrence of iatrogenic aortic dissection after aortic valve repl acement is uncommon, usually late, and exceptionally asymptomatic. We present here a case of dissecting aneurysm suspected by excessive medi astinal dilatation observed in the routine annual roentgenogram exam o f a patient who has had an aortic valve prosthesis for thirteen years. The confirmation with other diagnostic methods and its successful sur gical treatment are also described.