Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm arising from a lung tumor

J Bronchology Interv Pulmonol. 2009 Oct;16(4):274-6. doi: 10.1097/LBR.0b013e3181b64108.

Abstract

A 48-year-old smoker and alcoholic patient was admitted for life-threatening hemoptysis. The admission bronchoscopy showed a tumoral mass almost occluding the right bronchus intermedious. During the procedure the patient developed massive bleeding and underwent selective aortic angiogram and coiling of 2 bronchial arteries. After the patient stabilized, a contrast thoracic computed tomography was performed, revealing a right pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm. On the basis of that finding, a selective right pulmonary artery angiogram was performed, showing a 3.4-cm-diameter pseudoaneurysm that was embolized. Hemoptysis resolved after the procedure, but the patient developed parenchymal ischemia-infarct on the treated area (right lower lobe). A pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm can arise from a lung tumor and cause massive hemoptysis. Although unusual, ischemia and infarct can occur after embolotherapy.