Autopsy revealed cardiomegaly (650 g), normal heart valves, dilatation of the aortic annulus, and marked aneurysmal dilatation of the proximal 13 cm of the aorta. The latter grossly and microscopically revealed atherosclerosis and medial and adventitial changes similar to luetic aortitis. This is considered the first reported case of rheumatoid aortitis appearing after permanent complete remission of rheumatoid arthritis.