Abstract: . . .  at all during his or her lifetime. 13 Spondylolysis Figure 5.23 Large erosive Lesion in T11 and T12, suggestive of an aneurysm of the descending aorta, in an 86-year-old male, Daniel David Pontardant (2063) lesion on the left side of the eleventh and twelfth thoracic vertebrae which may reflect vascular disease (Fig 5.23). This is similar to the lesion which is found with an aneurysm of the descending aorta. The aorta lies on the left side of the vertebral column and the pulsatile aneurysm erodes the bodies of the adjacent vertebrae. Assuming this is evidence of an aneurysm, what might be the likely cause? When syphilis . . .
. . .  However, the most common site for syphilitic aneurysms is on the ascending aorta or on the arch. The most common cause of aneurysms in the descending aorta is arte- riosclerosis and, given the very advanced age of the case, this seems to be the most plausible explan- ation. 12 Spina bifida occulta Spina bifida is a disease of great antiquity (van Gool and van Gool 1986) which results from the failure of fusion of the laminae of one or more of the vertebrae or the sacral segments. In severe cases the spinal cord itself may be exposed, with serious neurological consequences. In the great majority of present-day cases, however, the condition is discovered . . .
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