Sudden Death with Massive Hemoptysis from Rupture of a Thoracic Inflammatory Aortic Aneurysm: An Autopsy Case Report

Abstract

An 84-year-old-man was admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery for a sudden episode of fainting. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated no fresh lesions. Anorexia, fever and elevation of C-reactive protein and creatine phosphokinase were observed, and the patient was transferred to the Department of Internal Medicine for further examination and treatment. High-dose steroids and antibiotics were administered, and his fever subsided. However, massive hemoptysis suddenly developed and the patient died. A thoracic aortic aneurysm that had coalesced and ruptured a left lung bronchus was detected at autopsy. Pathological examination revealed an inflammatory aortic aneurysm.