Ultrasound-aided diagnosis of pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm in a pediatric patient

Abstract

Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAP) is an uncommon entity associated with high mortality if left untreated. PAPs are most often acquired secondary to trauma, inflammation, infection, or malignancy. The most common presentation is hemoptysis, but many patients are asymptomatic. Because of the increased risk of enlargement and rupture, timely diagnosis and intervention is necessary. Imaging plays an essential role not only in diagnosis of this entity but also in intervention. We describe a case using gray-scale and color Doppler imaging providing sonographically aided diagnosis and follow-up of a clinically silent PAP in a pediatric patient.