EL SIGNO DE LA AORTA FLOTANTE

the floating aorta sign is caused by an enlarged retroperitoneal lymph node mass which surrounds and displaces the abdominal aorta anteriorly, separating it from the lumbar spine without evidence of compression or aortic stenosis. thus, the aorta seems to be floating inside a soft tissue mass. this radiologic sign is typically observed in lymphomas. the differential diagnosis includes testicular cancer metastases, primary retroperitoneal sarcomas, tuberculosis adenitis, and retroperitoneal fibrosis. although this sign can be seen on ultrasound studies, it is best demonstrated and assessed through computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging sequences.