Presentation
Acute chest pain and respiratory distress. Discard pulmonary embolism.
Patient Data
Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Ductus diverticulum
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Contrast CT shows an out pouching of the thoracic aorta at the anteromedial aspect of the isthmus, where the ligamentum arteriosum attaches. No filling defect to suggest a pulmonary embolism (the reason why the study was requested).
Case Discussion
Ductus diverticulum is typically an incidental finding. Most patients are asymptomatic. It presents in 9 - 26% of adults.
The radiologist must recognize and be very careful to differentiate pseudoaneurysm from the ductus diverticulum if there is a history of trauma.