A case of Brucella aortitis associated with development of thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortobronchial fistula

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this case report is to document the occurrence of granulomatous aortitis complicated by formation of a saccular aneurysm and aortobronchial fistula due to Brucella infection. Methods A 65-year-old man with a history of feral swine hunting presented with hemoptysis and was found to have a saccular thoracic aortic aneurysm and associated aortobronchial fistula. The aneurysm underwent operative repair with closure of the aortobronchial fistula. Results Histopathological examination of the aneurysm wall revealed evidence of granulomatous aortitis. Cultures of the blood and aortic wall tissue were positive for Brucella suis . Conclusions Although rare, Brucella infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aortic aneurysm with granulomatous aortitis.