Postmortem computed tomographic (PMCT) demonstration of fatal hemoptysis by pulmonary tuberculosis--radiological-pathological correlation in a case of rupture of Rasmussen's aneurysm.

We report a case of fatal hemoptysis resulting from the rupture of a Rasmussen's aneurysm. Postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) clearly showed the air-fluid level within a tuberculous cavity and fluid-filled trachea. In this case, PMCT was useful as a screening tool to detect the cause of death as asphyxia from hemoptysis. It became a guideline for the following autopsy, as well as evidence to explain the importance of autopsy to the family.