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Isolated Aortitis Presenting with an Annoying Persistent Cough: A Case Report

Overview
Journal Eur J Case Rep Intern Med
Specialty General Medicine
Date 2019 Feb 14
PMID 30755858
Authors
Michele Maria Luchetti
William Capeci
Matteo Rossini
Devis Benfaremo
Armando Gabrielli
Affiliations
Soon will be listed here.
Abstract

Objectives: To report a case of idiopathic aortitis, presenting with chronic cough.

Materials And Methods: The Authors describe the case of a 72-year-old man with dry cough, worsening fatigue, weight loss and elevated systemic inflammatory markers.

Results: A PET-CT scan showed diffuse thickening of the thoracic aorta and confirmed the diagnosis of aortitis. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated and complete remission was achieved in six months.

Conclusion: Persistent dry cough of unknown origin, especially when associated with systemic inflammation, demands a thorough differential diagnosis and should not be underrated.

Learning Points: Isolated aortitis may produce unrevealing symptoms, which are often dismissed.Chronic unproductive cough should raise a suspicion of isolated aortitis.The critical diagnostic exam for aortitis is a PET-CT scan.High-dose corticosteroids with gradual tapering, lead the disease remission.

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