Aortic aneurysm in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Abstract

Background: The Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a combined immunodeficiency associated with a syndrome linked to the X chromosome, which is characterized by eczema, recurrent infections, and thrombocytopenia. Other manifestations include autoimmune disorders such as hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenic purpura mediated by the immune system, increased susceptibility to malignant tumors, including lymphoma or leukemia.

Case report: A 7-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome who was treated with intravenous gamma globulin, antimicrobial prophylaxis with trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and fluconazole, as well as with prednisone and cyclosporine due to hemolytic anemia and uveitis. Suddenly, he presented a deviation of the left labial commissure, so he was hospitalized. The studies showed a giant aneurysm of the aorta root, ascending aorta, descending aorta, and right coronary aorta, with insidious cardiac symptoms; therefore, he was referred to the vascular surgery department.

Conclusions: Vasculitis in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is rare and it is usually asymptomatic in early stages, so an annual cardiovascular evaluation should be performed in order to avoid the complications of an aneurysm, which can be deleterious in this type of immunodeficiency where the possibility of death from bleeding is high.