Proximal interruption of the pulmonary artery: Transcatheter embolization for emergent management of massive hemoptysis

Proximal interruption of the right pulmonary artery: A rare anomaly

We report a case of a 21-year-old woman with cyanosis where computed tomography (CT) angiography revealed a complete absence of the mediastinal part of the right pulmonary artery with the normal intrapulmonary vascular network, receiving supply from multiple collateral vessels. The case also highlights the various differential diagnoses and the role of CT angiography in arriving at the correct diagnosis.

Imaging of congenital lung diseases presenting in the adulthood: a pictorial review

Congenital lung diseases in adults are rare diseases that can present with symptoms or be detected incidentally. Familiarity with the imaging features of different types of congenital lung diseases helps both in correct diagnosis and management of these diseases. Congenital lung diseases in adults are classified into three main categories as bronchopulmonary anomalies, vascular anomalies, and combined bronchopulmonary and vascular anomalies. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography, especially 3D reconstructions, CT, or MR angiography, can show vascular anomalies in detail. The tracheobronchial tree, parenchymal changes, and possible complications can also be defined on chest CT, and new applications such as quantitative 3D reconstruction CT images, dual-energy CT (DECT) can be helpful in imaging parenchymal changes. In addition to the morphological assessment of the lungs, novel MRI techniques such as ultra-short echo time (UTE), arterial spin labeling (ASL), and phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) can provide functional information. This pictorial review aims to comprehensively define the radiological characteristics of each congenital lung disease in adults and to highlight differential diagnoses and possible complications of these diseases.

Mimickers of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension on imaging tests: a review

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is caused by mechanical obstruction of large pulmonary arteries secondary to one or more episodes of pulmonary embolism. Ventilation perfusion scan is the recommended initial screening test for this condition and typically shows multiple large mismatched perfusion defects. However, not all patients with an abnormal ventilation perfusion scan have CTEPH since there are other conditions that be associated with a positive ventilation perfusion scan. These conditions include in situ thrombosis, pulmonary artery sarcoma, fibrosing mediastinitis, pulmonary vasculitis and sarcoidosis, among others. Although these conditions cannot be distinguished from CTEPH using a ventilation perfusion scan, they have certain characteristic radiological features that can be demonstrated on other imaging techniques such as computed tomography scan and can help in differentiation of these conditions. In this review, we have summarized some key clinical and radiological features that can help differentiate CTEPH from the CTEPH mimics.

MDCT angiographic findings of various congenital pulmonary artery anomalies in pediatric patients

Background

Congenital pulmonary artery anomalies are variable and need proper diagnosis and treatment. CT angiography with multiplanar reconstruction has the main role in the assessment of these anomalies and this non-invasive method should be the method of choice for preoperative planning and postoperative follow up.

The aim of the study is to assess the value of MDCT in the detection of pulmonary arteries anomalies in the pediatric population with complex congenital heart disease in conjunction with echocardiography as an alternative to conventional angiography and to determine the superiority of MDCT in the assessment of other abnormalities such as airway anomalies.

Results

In our retrospective study, 52 patients (28 male and 24 females, aged 1 day to 4 years: mean age 2 years) were examined with contrast-enhanced CT. CT examinations were done using a 128-section CT scanner (Siemens Somatom Definition AS) using non-ionic iodinated contrast media. 2D and 3D reconstructions were performed. The correlation was made with echocardiograms. All imaging studies were reviewed. The echo was done to all patients. Surgery and/or catheter angiography performed to all patients, their findings were reviewed and compared to CTA findings. Other abnormalities such as congenital airway anomalies are detected using axial MDCT images and reconstructed imaging techniques.

MDCT was accurate in revealing pulmonary artery anomalies. The commonest pulmonary artery anomaly was atresia, stenosis then hypoplasia. These anomalies may be isolated or associated with other congenital heart diseases. In the current study, MDCT could diagnose all cases of pulmonary arterial anomalies with 96% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 98% accuracy, 100% positive, and 94% negative predictive values. CT scans provide accurate information to assess complex spatial relationships of vascular airway compression frequently associated with CHD in the pediatric population.

Conclusion

MDCT scanner can be an alternative to diagnostic conventional angiography for the non-invasive assessment of the pulmonary artery. Higher quality multiplanar and 3D reconstruction achieved by the MDCT scanners offer a rapid, reliable and non-invasive technique that can be used for the evaluation and preoperative assessment of thoracic vascular and extra-vascular anatomy in infants and children with suspected congenital heart disease. CT technologies are constantly developing collaboration between radiologists, pediatric cardiologists, and anesthesiologists, which is essential for improving CT performance.

Proximal Interruption of the Pulmonary Artery

Proximal interruption of the pulmonary artery (PIPA) is an uncommon developmental anomaly resulting in underdevelopment of the proximal portion of the pulmonary artery with preservation of the intrapulmonary segments. Clinical presentation ranges between an asymptomatic incidental finding to massive hemoptysis. When findings suggestive of PIPA are present radiographically, the diagnosis of PIPA can be definitively diagnosed with computed tomography or magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography. Other imaging modalities, such as nuclear perfusion scan and catheter angiography can help in the diagnosis.

Congenital anomalies of the pulmonary arteries: an imaging overview

Congenital pulmonary artery anomalies represent a diverse group of abnormalities, ranging from asymptomatic incidental findings to causes of sudden cardiac death. While some may be recognized in childhood, others may be found incidentally in adulthood. We review the clinical and imaging findings in patients with congenital anomalies of the pulmonary arteries, including valvular and perivavular anomalies as well as abnormal narrowing, course and communications of the pulmonary arteries. We also discuss the role of various imaging modalities in the evaluation of these patients. It is vital to be aware of the key radiologic manifestations and associated haemodynamic consequences in these conditions in order to facilitate accurate diagnosis and prognostic stratification.