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Insights into Imaging

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Open Access 01-08-2014 | Pictorial Review

Looking beyond the thrombus: essentials of pulmonary artery imaging on CT

Authors: Mohammed M. Khadir, Apeksha Chaturvedi, Mike S. Nguyen, John C. Wandtke, Susan Hobbs, Abhishek Chaturvedi

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

Background

Pulmonary arteries are not just affected by thrombus. Congenital and acquired conditions can also involve the pulmonary arteries. An awareness of these conditions is important for the radiologist interpreting chest computed tomography (CT).

Methods

The anatomy of the pulmonary arteries was reviewed. CT and magnetic resonance (MR) acquisition protocols for imaging the pulmonary arteries were discussed. The imaging appearances of congenital and acquired anomalies involving the pulmonary arteries, using CT and other modalities, were presented.

Results

Imaging features of congenital anomalies presented include pulmonary agenesis, partial pulmonary artery agenesis, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary artery sling, congenital pulmonary artery stenosis and coronary to pulmonary artery fistula. Acquired pulmonary artery anomalies discussed include arteritis, infected aneurysm and sarcoma. Pulmonary artery filling defects besides thromboembolism are also discussed, including foreign body emboli. Imaging features of bronchogenic carcinoma and mediastinal fibrosis demonstrating compression of the pulmonary arteries are presented, followed by a brief discussion of post repair appearance of the pulmonary arteries for congenital heart disease.

Conclusions

Congenital and acquired pulmonary artery anomalies have a characteristic appearance on a variety of imaging modalities. An acquaintance with the imaging features of these anomalies is needed to avoid misinterpretation and reach the correct diagnosis.

Teaching Points

• Discuss a variety of congenital and acquired anomalies of the pulmonary arteries.

• Discuss the imaging appearance of the presented congenital or acquired pulmonary artery anomalies.

• Describe CT and MR acquisition protocols for imaging the pulmonary arteries.

• Review the anatomy of the pulmonary arteries.

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Title: Looking beyond the thrombus: essentials of pulmonary artery imaging on CT
Authors: Mohammed M. Khadir
Apeksha Chaturvedi
Mike S. Nguyen
John C. Wandtke
Susan Hobbs
Abhishek Chaturvedi
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 4/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-014-0340-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Looking beyond the thrombus: essentials of pulmonary artery imaging on CT

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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