TB Research

Rasmussen Aneurysm in Pulmonary Tuberculosis-A Malaysian Case Study With Review of Global Literature.

Sing Yee Ng, Kai Sin Leong

Respirology case reports · 2026-03

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. Hemoptysis is a common complication of PTB and may result from a variety of mechanisms, including vascular involvement. Rasmussen aneurysm, a pseudoaneurysm of the pulmonary artery adjacent to a tuberculous cavity, represents a rare but potentially fatal cause of hemoptysis. We report a Malaysian patient with smear-positive PTB complicated by Rasmussen aneurysm, successfully managed with selective pulmonary artery embolization. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and advanced imaging with CT pulmonary angiography to establish diagnosis and guide therapy. In addition, we performed a comprehensive review of published reports and studies on Rasmussen aneurysm to emphasise the diagnostic challenges, summarise management strategies, and highlight why this entity remains underdiagnosed, particularly in resource-limited settings.