Tubercular mycotic aortic aneurysm: A case report

Abstract

Tubercular aneurysms of larger vessels, particularly the aorta is very rare. The first case of tubercular involvement of the aorta in the form of aortitis was reported in 1882 by Weigert and the first case of tubercular mycotic aneurysm of the aorta was reported in 1895. The preoperative diagnosis of tubercular aortic aneurysm is difficult. Even at surgery, determining the tubercular nature of the lesion is problematic. The gross appearance may not be distinctive, and acid-fast stains are unlikely to be performed. We report the case of a young female patient who was started on antitubercular treatment for pleural effusion and was found to have aortic aneurysm, which later on proved to be tubercular in origin.