Objectives:
To report a case of idiopathic aortitis, presenting with chronic cough.
Materials and methods:
The Authors describe the case of a 72-year-old man with dry cough, worsening fatigue, weight loss and elevated systemic inflammatory markers.
Results:
A PET-CT scan showed diffuse thickening of the thoracic aorta and confirmed the diagnosis of aortitis. Systemic corticosteroid therapy was initiated and complete remission was achieved in six months.
Conclusion:
Persistent dry cough of unknown origin, especially when associated with systemic inflammation, demands a thorough differential diagnosis and should not be underrated.
Learning points:
Isolated aortitis may produce unrevealing symptoms, which are often dismissed.Chronic unproductive cough should raise a suspicion of isolated aortitis.The critical diagnostic exam for aortitis is a PET-CT scan.High-dose corticosteroids with gradual tapering, lead the disease remission.