Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm in pulmonary tuberculosis - A rare cause of hemoptysis: A case report with review of the literature

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is one of the common causes of life-threatening hemoptysis, particularly in developing countries. Bronchial and pulmonary arteries are the major source of hemoptysis in pulmonary TB. Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm as a cause of hemoptysis in pulmonary TB is extremely rare, with only a few reported cases. We describe a case of intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm in a patient of pulmonary TB, presenting as massive hemoptysis. Computed tomography bronchial angiography (CTBA) revealed a contrast-filled outpouching in a left upper lobe cavity. Catheter angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm arising from one of the left intercostal arteries, which was managed subsequently by endovascular embolization. Pseudoaneurysm from visceral arteries is an extremely rare but important cause of massive hemoptysis in pulmonary TB, which if not managed promptly may prove fatal.