Surgical Treatment of Ascending Aortic Aneurysms in Patients With Giant Cell Aortitis

Ascending aortic aneurysms caused by giant cell aortitis can involve the aorta from the aortic root through the aortic arch, thus requiring a tailored operative approach. The aortic valve tissue is spared from the pathologic process. Other aneurysms of the aorta and great vessels occur in nearly half of patients. Frequent surveillance of the remaining aorta is mandatory.