Case 21-1979 — Aneurysmal Dilatation of the Aorta with Aortic Regurgitation

To the Editor: In his discussion of aortic regurgitation in a 17-year-old boy, Dr. Wheeler stated that to his knowledge aneurysmal dilatation of the aorta with aortic insufficiency due to arteritis does not occur in this age group.¹ In 1977, we reported on two relatively young adults with severe aortic regurgitation due to aortitis.² In each case, the regurgitation was severe enough to require aortic-valve replacement. The tubular portions of the ascending aorta were dilated. Both aortic valves were normal and showed only minimal thickening at the margins. The sedimentation rates in each patient were not appreciably elevated. Aortitis causing.