Isolated Aortitis Presenting with an Annoying Persistent Cough: A Case Report

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.