[An uncommon cause of persistent cough].

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pulmonology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Chronic cough is a common primary care complaint with no standardized diagnostic approach.
• Differential diagnoses for persistent cough are extensive, originating from multiple anatomical locations.
• Diagnostic strategies include empirical treatment, further investigations, or a combination thereof.

Observation:

• A case study involving a patient presenting with persistent cough of unknown etiology.
• The cough was refractory to initial diagnostic and treatment protocols.
• An unusual cause for the chronic cough was suspected after extensive evaluation.

Findings:

• The persistent cough was ultimately attributed to an aneurysm of the ascending aorta.
• This finding represents a rare but critical cause of chronic cough.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering rare cardiovascular causes in refractory chronic cough.
• Suggests that thoracic aortic pathology should be included in the differential diagnosis for persistent cough.
• Underscores the need for comprehensive diagnostic workups when the cause of chronic cough remains elusive.