Abstract
Abstract
Study Design- Case Report
Background- In the process of dissecting a 78-year-old male cadaver, the body was found to have an enlarged heart, an aortic aneurysm, a hiatal hernia, the stomach protruding through the thoracic cavity. The discovery led to the suspicion of a disease known as Saint’s Triad. Saint’s Triad is a manifestation of a general connective tissue disorder, resulting in the formation of hernias, diverticula, aneurysms, or COPD. The objective is to raise awareness of the Saint’s Triad as a disease and demonstrate its relationship with connective tissue disorders. This study also aims to encourage medical professionals to note that a single pathology in patients may be associated with other pathologies. Overall, encourage wholesome patient examination during diagnosis.
Methods- Two cadavers, one assumed to be affected by Saint’s Triad (Cadaver #1) and one unaffected (Cadaver #2), were dissected in the same way using similar dissection instruments. After initial dissection, specific body structures were identified in both cadavers. Areas of the body related to the Saint’s Triad and the heart were evaluated. A measuring tape was used to measure distance from landmarks and to quantify the size of certain body structures. A camera was used to take pictures to review afterwards.
Findings- Cadaver #1 had an abdominal aorta greater than 3cm in diameter, which exceeds the current standard. Additionally, a hiatal hernia was observed, but no inguinal hernia. Overall, the cadaver presumed with Saint’s Triad had features consistent with the syndrome.
Conclusions- Findings in the lab lead to the suspicion of Saint’s Triad. Research has identified that Saint’s Triad is linked to connective tissue disorders. Medical professionals responsible for diagnoses should be aware of the likelihood that multiple pathologies in one patient may be related. The Saint’s Triad encourages wholesome patient examination. The aim is to motivate clinicians to investigate beyond what a patient presents with, when necessary, to ensure better patient outcome.
Key Words
Saint’s Triad
Connective Tissue Disorders
Herniosis
Ockham’s Razor vs. Hickman’s Dictum
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Patient Outcome
Syndrome
Diagnosis
Included in
UH-03 A Case Report of Saint’s Triad and the Diagnostic Implications for Clinicians
Abstract
Study Design- Case Report
Background- In the process of dissecting a 78-year-old male cadaver, the body was found to have an enlarged heart, an aortic aneurysm, a hiatal hernia, the stomach protruding through the thoracic cavity. The discovery led to the suspicion of a disease known as Saint’s Triad. Saint’s Triad is a manifestation of a general connective tissue disorder, resulting in the formation of hernias, diverticula, aneurysms, or COPD. The objective is to raise awareness of the Saint’s Triad as a disease and demonstrate its relationship with connective tissue disorders. This study also aims to encourage medical professionals to note that a single pathology in patients may be associated with other pathologies. Overall, encourage wholesome patient examination during diagnosis.
Methods- Two cadavers, one assumed to be affected by Saint’s Triad (Cadaver #1) and one unaffected (Cadaver #2), were dissected in the same way using similar dissection instruments. After initial dissection, specific body structures were identified in both cadavers. Areas of the body related to the Saint’s Triad and the heart were evaluated. A measuring tape was used to measure distance from landmarks and to quantify the size of certain body structures. A camera was used to take pictures to review afterwards.
Findings- Cadaver #1 had an abdominal aorta greater than 3cm in diameter, which exceeds the current standard. Additionally, a hiatal hernia was observed, but no inguinal hernia. Overall, the cadaver presumed with Saint’s Triad had features consistent with the syndrome.
Conclusions- Findings in the lab lead to the suspicion of Saint’s Triad. Research has identified that Saint’s Triad is linked to connective tissue disorders. Medical professionals responsible for diagnoses should be aware of the likelihood that multiple pathologies in one patient may be related. The Saint’s Triad encourages wholesome patient examination. The aim is to motivate clinicians to investigate beyond what a patient presents with, when necessary, to ensure better patient outcome.
Key Words
Saint’s Triad
Connective Tissue Disorders
Herniosis
Ockham’s Razor vs. Hickman’s Dictum
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Patient Outcome
Syndrome
Diagnosis