[Costal osteolysis due to a giant arteriosclerotic aneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta].

In this case report the patient had a giant saccular aneurysm caused by arteriosclerosis, located in the ascending aorta and protruding through the anterior thoracic wall, with osteolysis of the two adjacent ribs. Costal involvement in arteriosclerotic aneurysms has not been described in the literature. We review the incidence, types and clinical signs of aneurysms of the ascending aorta, emphasizing the complications caused by arteriosclerotic aneurysms.