Bronchiectasis with bronchial arterial enlargement

Case contributed by Yessica Evedi
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Spontaneous haemoptysis

Patient Data

Age: 70
Gender: Male

Axial and coronal thin-section MIP images demonstrates the hypertrophied and tortuous bronchial artery (arrows) coursing into the pulmonary parenchyma.

 

Case Discussion

In chronic pulmonary inflammatory disorders, such as bronchiectasis, tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis there may be an associated increase in the collateral supply from nearby systemic vessels to the pathologic lung parenchyma.  

Recent important technologic advances in CT, have introduced a comprehensive, non-invasive method of evaluating the entire thorax. In cases with haemoptysis, cases allow a clear depiction of the origins and trajectories of abnormally dilated systemic arteries that may be a source of the haemorrhage and can aid in planning the embolisation of these arteries.  

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