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

To report a case of idiopathic aortitis, presenting with chronic cough.The Authors describe the case of a 72-year-old man with dry cough, worsening fatigue, weight loss and elevated systemic inflammatory markers.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.Persistent dry cough of unknown origin, especially when associated with systemic inflammation, demands a thorough differential diagnosis and should not be underrated.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.