Healed Dissecting Aneurysm of the Aorta Erroneously Diagnosed Paramediastinal Effusion; Death Following Attempted Aspiration

Abstract

Approximately 1 per cent of dissecting aneurysms of the aorta develop re-entry tears and heal, forming the so-called "double-barrelled" aorta which is compatible with a variable period of survival. Occasionally a case is found wherein the dissection has remained limited to the media, healing without evidence of intimal tears. We describe such a case, so rare as to constitute a medical curiosity.