[A case of ruptured aneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta associated with active Behçet's disease]

A 63-year-old male receiving steroid for active Behçet's disease was admitted of massive hemoptysis. A pseudoaneurysm of about 5 cm in diameter caused by rupture of the aortic wall penetrating into the lung was detected on the descending thoracic aorta. Operation was performed using left atrium-femoral artery bypass with centrifugal pump. The technique of graft interposition was selected rather than patch closure to prevent postoperative anastomotic aneurysm. We consider that in the treatment of inflammatory aneurysm, use healthy aortic wall for suture and end-to-end anastomosis are very important. In spite of steroid supplementation, the inflammatory reaction get worse postoperatively and the dosage of steroid had to be increased to control inflammation. The patient is well 20 months after surgery.