Aortic pseudo-aneurysm: cause of life-threatening hemoptysis in a 13-month-old child.

Aortic aneurysms and pseudo-aneurysms are a rare occurrence in the pediatric age group. True aneurysms are usually related to infection or to inherited disorders while pseudo-aneurysms occur following trauma or infection. We present a case of a pseudo-aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta in a 13-month-old child, who presented with life-threatening massive hemoptysis. Though no clear-cut etiologic factor was identified on clinical examination and investigations, presence of neutrophilic infiltration in the wall suggested an infective nature.