Proximal Descending Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Pott's Spine

Abstract

Tuberculous pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta is quite rare, life-threatening, and fatal if not diagnosed in time. This lesion exposes patients to a very high risk of unpredictable rupture. We describe a case of tuberculous pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in association with tuberculosis of the spine (Pott's spine). A 73-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of back pain. Chest roentgenography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a descending thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysm with destruction of the fourth and fifth thoracic vertebrae (T4-T5). We suspected that the pseudoaneurysm was due to direct extension of tuberculous vertebral osteomyelitis. The patient was managed with antituberculous chemotherapy. The post–antitubercular therapy course was uneventful and he remained well 12 months after completion of treatment.

Keywords

tuberculosis - vertebra - aneurysm - antitubercular treatment

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