TB Research

Proximal Descending Thoracic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm Secondary to Pott's Spine

Irappa Madabhavi, Malay Sarkar, Chidanand Chauhan, Mitul Modi

Aorta · 2020-04

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.

MeSH terms

  • Medicine
  • Pseudoaneurysm
  • Back pain
  • Thoracic aorta
  • Radiology
  • Tuberculosis
  • Surgery
  • Descending aorta
  • Thoracic vertebrae
  • Lesion
  • Aorta
  • Thoracic spine