Sarah J Wu1, Jacob C Huddin1, Audrey Wanger1, Anthony L Estrera2, L Maximilian Buja3. 1. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA. 2. Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA. 3. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/Memorial Hermann Hospital-Texas Medical Center, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: l.maximilian.buja@uth.tmc.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this case report is to document the occurrence of granulomatous aortitis complicated by formation of a saccular aneurysm and aortobronchial fistula due to Brucella infection. METHODS: A 65-year-old man with a history of feral swine hunting presented with hemoptysis and was found to have a saccular thoracic aortic aneurysm and associated aortobronchial fistula. The aneurysm underwent operative repair with closure of the aortobronchial fistula. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the aneurysm wall revealed evidence of granulomatous aortitis. Cultures of the blood and aortic wall tissue were positive for Brucella suis. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, Brucella infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic aneurysm with granulomatous aortitis.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this case report is to document the occurrence of granulomatous aortitis complicated by formation of a saccular aneurysm and aortobronchial fistula due to Brucella infection. METHODS: A 65-year-old man with a history of feral swine hunting presented with hemoptysis and was found to have a saccular thoracic aortic aneurysm and associated aortobronchial fistula. The aneurysm underwent operative repair with closure of the aortobronchial fistula. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the aneurysm wall revealed evidence of granulomatous aortitis. Cultures of the blood and aortic wall tissue were positive for Brucella suis. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare, Brucella infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic aneurysm with granulomatous aortitis.