Rasmussen's Aneurysm: A Rare Cause of Massive Hemoptysis in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Rasmussen's aneurysm is a rare cause of hemoptysis in patients with tuberculosis. It is an under-recognised vascular complication of active pulmonary tuberculosis, with a mortality rate of over 50%. It is secondary to an aneurysmal dilatation of the pulmonary artery adjacent to tuberculous cavity. Thoracic CT angiography is the gold standard for making a positive diagnosis and precising the hemorrhagic site, with a mapping of the pulmonary artery damage. Rupture of the artery can cause massive hemoptysis, which can sometimes be devastating. It is important to remember that hemoptysis persists despite successful bronchial artery embolisation in all patients with tuberculosis.