Rare but life-threatening cause of massive haemoptysis in an adolscent with tuberculosis: Rasmussen's aneurysm

BMJ Case Rep. 2023 Aug 14;16(8):e255480. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2023-255480.

Abstract

Rasmussen's aneurysm is a rare yet fatal cause of massive haemoptysis in pulmonary tuberculosis. Early identification and timely intervention are of utmost importance to reduce the associated mortality. A girl in early adolescence presented with persistent fever and massive haemoptysis who required intubation and was subsequently confirmed to have tuberculosis. CT pulmonary angiogram showed the presence of pseudoaneurysms in the left upper and lower lobes. The haemoptysis resolved following the embolisation of the culprit's vessel. Residual lung destruction was evident on CT after a 12-month course of antituberculosis therapy. Rasmussen's aneurysm is a significant vascular complication of cavitary tuberculosis and needs to be considered in patients presenting with massive haemoptysis.

Keywords: TB and other respiratory infections; infections; paediatrics (drugs and medicines); respiratory system; tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aneurysm* / complications
  • Aneurysm* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm* / therapy
  • Aneurysm, False* / complications
  • Aneurysm, False* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm, False* / therapy
  • Angiography
  • Female
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Hemoptysis / therapy
  • Humans
  • Tuberculosis, Pulmonary* / complications