@article{3091990,
    title = "Aneurysmatic dilatation of ascending aorta in a patient with
beta-thalassemia and a pseudoxanthoma elasticum-like syndrome",
    author = "Farmakis, D and Vesleme, V and Papadogianni, A and Tsaftaridis, P and and Kapralos, P and Aessopos, A",
    journal = "Annals of Hematology",
    year = "2004",
    volume = "83",
    number = "9",
    pages = "596-599",
    publisher = "Springer-Verlag",
    issn = "0939-5555, 1432-0584",
    doi = "10.1007/s00277-004-0859-6",
    keywords = "thalassemia; pseudoxanthoma elasticum; aortic aneurysm",
    abstract = "The development of a diffuse elastic tissue defect resembling
pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a recently established and frequently
encountered clinical entity in beta-thalassemia. The clinical spectrum
of this disorder is not yet completely understood as it is continuously
being enriched with novel complications that are often serious. We
present here a thalassemia intermedia patient with typical PXE
manifestations and a fusiform, aneurysmatic dilatation of the ascending
thoracic aorta, a previously unknown complication in these patients. An
aortic aneurysm has itself a notable morbidity, while it may also impair
the particularly susceptible cardiac function of beta-thalassemia
patients, hence affecting the overall prognosis of the main disease."
}