Aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in a young woman.

The diagnosis of a thoracic aortic aneurysm in an otherwise healthy young woman is a very rare occurrence. The Authors report the case of a woman aged twenty-two in whom such an aneurysm was discovered the day after delivery. Physical signs and radiological documents are presented and early surgical treatment is described. The Authors made a survey of the world literature and emphasize the abnormally high incidence of aneurysms in women of child-bearing age. Etiopathological factors are detailed.