Computed Tomography Findings of Isolated Peripheral Pulmonary Artery Aneurysms

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate computed tomography (CT) findings of peripheral pulmonary artery aneurysms (PPAA) associated with Behcet’s disease (BD), Hughes Stovin syndrome (HSS), and idiopathic origin. Methods: Contrast-enhanced CT scans of the patients were retrospectively reviewed regarding PPAA. The patients with PPAA were classified into BD, HSS, and idiopathic groups according to the etiology. The groups were compared for demographical features including age and gender, multiplicity, distribution of thrombosis and accompanying pulmonary artery embolism (PAE), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) history. Results: A total of 30 PPAA (25.4 ± 13.4 [11-62] mm) were detected in 10 (2.3%) (mean age 39.8 ± 22-1.0 [8-73] years, female/male:3/7) among 4391 patients reviewed. In 7 patients, multiple aneurysms were detected, while a solitary lesion was seen in 3 patients. Most commonly, lower lobes (right 8-left 8, 53.2%) involvement was observed. A thrombosis was detected within 19 (63.4%) aneurysms. Among 10 patients with PPAA, 4 subjects (40%) had BD, 2 (20%) HS and 4 (40%) idiopathic origin. In 5 patients (50%), there was accompanying PAE and 3 patients had (30%) DVT history. Patients with BD and HSS tended to have multiple lesions than those with idiopathic origin. Accompanying PAE was observed in 2 (100%) of patients with HSS, 2 (50%) with BD, and 1 (25%) patient in the idiopathic group. A DVT history was recorded in 2 (100%) patients with HSS, 1 (25%) with BD. None of the patients in the idiopathic group had a DVT history. The only rupture was observed in the HSS group. Conclusion: Vasculitic diseases lead to PPAA, including BD and HSS which are more likely to be associated with complications and additional morbid conditions than idiopathic processes. © 2021 The Author(s).