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 hemoptysis, cases allow a clear depiction of the origins and trajectories of abnormally dilated systemic arteries that may be a source of the hemorrhage and can aid in planning the embolization of these arteries.