title: Isolated aortitis: a rare cause of febrile illness.
abstract: Febrile illness often presents a challenge for the clinician. The main causes of febrile illness are infections, solid or haematological malignancies and connective tissue disorders, including vasculitis. A 49-year-old woman sought medical attention because of intermittent fever that lasted 2 weeks. She presented no further symptoms or physical signs to suggest the aetiology. The epidemiological context was irrelevant. Analyses revealed anaemia of chronic disease and significant elevations of inflammatory parameters. A comprehensive study was performed, which revealed presence of an aortitis. Investigation of infectious and immunological causes was negative. We arrived at the definitive diagnosis of isolated aortitis. She was treated with corticosteroid and methotrexate, with resolution of symptoms and clinical abnormalities.
authors.affiliation: Medicina Interna, Unidade Funcional 1.2, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Hospital São José, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fior
authors.affiliation: Medicina Interna, Unidade Funcional 1.2, Centro Hospitalar de Lisboa Central, Hospital São José, Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barreto
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000378:metabolism; D001025:Aortitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D013700:Giant Cell Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D035583:Rare Diseases; D013625:Takayasu Arteritis / Q000175:diagnosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D011239:Prednisolone; D008727:Methotrexate