Annuloaortic ectasia

Annuloaortic ectasia is a dilation of the proximal ascending aorta and aortic annulus. It may cause aortic regurgitation, thoracic aortic dissection, aneurysm and rupture. It is often associated with Marfan syndrome. It can also be a complication due to tertiary syphilis. In tertiary syphilis the aortic root becomes so dilated that the aortic valve becomes incompetent and cor bovinum results.