Tuberculous aortitis : a report of two cases and review of literature

ABSTRACT

Two cases of tuberculous aortitis with aneurysm which ruptured are reported, together with a review of literature on the subjectThe aorta is involved in a tuberculous process either from a primary embolic enlodgement of tubercle bacilli on a damaged intima or vasa vasorum, or by infiltration of the adventitia from a peri-vascular focus of tuberculosisThere are no positive signs which can make possible the clinical diagnosis of the condition. The prognosis is grave and there has never been a report of successful surgical intervention. (Summary)