Saccular Thoracoabdominal Aneurysms in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Aortic aneurysm is a rare but a serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. We report the case of a 59-year-old man with systemic lupus erythematosus disease who presented with symptomatic saccular thoracoabdominal aneurysms. The 2 aneurysms were resected and 2 silver-coated tube grafts were interposed. Surgical pathology revealed lymphoplasmacytic aortitis, without pathogenic agents. This is the first case of a double localization of saccular thoracoabdominal aneurysms with inflammatory aortitis caused by lupus. In patients with a history of systemic lupus erythematosus, with or without active inflammation, screening for aortic disease should be selectively performed if other risk factors for aortic aneurysm are present.