Bronchiectasis due to an Ectopic Right Pulmonary Artery and Compression of the Superior Vena Cava between an Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Enlarged Right Pulmonary Artery

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to report multidetector computed tomography (CT) imaging findings relating to segmental pulmonary arterial ectasia (PAE), which is a very rare vascular condition. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 70-year-old woman presented with shortness of breath and increased production of purulent sputum. Chest CT angiography revealed bronchiectasis secondary to compression of the anterior segment bronchus of the right upper lobe because of a segmental PAE. She also had compression of the superior vena cava between an ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm and an ectopic enlarged right pulmonary artery. Conventional right upper lobectomy and angioplasty were planned, but the patient refused surgical therapy. Conclusion: This report shows the importance of CT angiography in a case that involved an unusual coincidence of segmental PAE and ascending aortic aneurysm.