Chronic Cough as a Presenting Symptom of a Giant Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: A Case Report

Chronic cough has a broad differential, and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a rare but potentially life-threatening etiology. We present a giant arch TAA in a non-dyspneic, Pacific Islander man with significant tobacco-use history who presented with chronic cough with no acute pulmonary process noted on imaging. Given the high mortality rates associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms, the purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of keeping TAA as a rare differential for chronic cough, particularly when caring for patients with elevated risk. Recognition of patients with thoracic aortic disease who have a class I indication for surgical intervention (meaning there is evidence or general agreement that surgery will be beneficial, useful, and effective) as well as prompt evaluation of their anatomical landmarks in the perioperative period is critical. Imaging and, in particular, computed tomography remain the optimal modalities to screen for thoracic aortic disease.