Aortic aneurysm is potentially a lethal clinical condition unless it was diagnosed and managed earlier. It is associated with increased risk for sudden death among young subjects in competitive sports. So a complete medical evaluation is recommended especially for official athletes. However certain military personnel in Army are absolutely exposed to strenuous physical conditions and strengthening exercises as well as or harder than the athletes do.
We presented three patients; one with giant aortic aneurysm at level of Valsalva sinus of aorta and two with aortic aneurysm at ascending aorta. First patient underwent surgical treatment whereas other two patients were followed medically. Isometric type of exercise and training activities were probably the main triggering factor for initiation and progression of aortic aneurysm in those subjects.
Echocardiography is widely available and is the choice of method in preparticipation screening of certain military forces and diagnosing of aortic aneurysm. Also routine cardiac examination of military personnel in Army at a few years’ periods may allow detection of those patients.
Keywords: aortic aneurysm, sudden death, sports, military, echocardiography
