Aortitis is rare, but potentially life threatening. Its reported incidence is 1 to 3 per one million/year.
Aortitis is caused by
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Connective tissue disorders (eg, Takayasu arteritis, giant cell arteritis, ankylosing spondylitis, relapsing polychondritis)
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Infections (eg, bacterial endocarditis, syphilis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, fungal infections)
It is also a feature of Cogan syndrome (inflammatory keratitis, vestibular and auditory dysfunction, and aortitis).
Inflammation usually involves all layers of the aorta (intima, media, adventitia) and may lead to occlusion of the aorta or its branches or weakening of the arterial wall, resulting in an aortic aneurysm.
Pathogenesis, symptoms and signs, diagnosis, and treatment differ by etiology.
However, the general principle for treatment is to treat the underlying disorder.
