Acquired pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms: a pictorial review

Br J Radiol. 2017 May;90(1073):20160783. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20160783. Epub 2017 Mar 24.

Abstract

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysms (PAPs) are uncommon but potentially lethal. They may be incidentally discovered on imaging, or following massive haemoptysis if they rupture, with high risk of mortality. The most frequent causes of PAP are trauma and infectious disease. Vasculitis, in particular Behçet's disease, neoplasm, congenital disease and pulmonary hypertension are rarer causes of PAP. A PAP can be suspected from chest X-ray and contrast CT, but requires confirmation by CT angiography. Arteriography is no longer performed for diagnostic purposes, but can be useful in preparing endovascular occlusion of the PAP. In rare cases, surgery is necessary. The aim of this pictorial review was to illustrate the most common causes of acquired PAPs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aneurysm, False / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology
  • Computed Tomography Angiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Artery / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed