Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026

A Patient-Derived Xenograft Model for Venous Malformation
Published on: June 15, 2020
Pulmonary varix mimicking arteriovenous malformation
Hiroyuki Kumazoe1, Masashi Komori, Reiji Ochiai
1Department of Radiology, National Omuta Hospital, Omuta City, Fukuoka 837-0911, Japan. kumazoehi@yahoo.co.jp
A case study describes a 44-year-old female incidentally diagnosed with a pulmonary varix. Pulmonary angiography confirmed the diagnosis, highlighting its utility in identifying these rare vascular anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary varices are rare congenital or acquired vascular malformations of the pulmonary veins.
- They often remain asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to their rarity and varied presentation.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old female presented with an incidental finding on chest X-ray.
- Imaging revealed a serpiginous, dilated vascular structure in the left lung, initially suggestive of arteriovenous malformation.
- Computed tomography provided detailed anatomical information of the vascular anomaly.
Findings:
- Pulmonary angiography excluded arteriovenous malformation.
- Angiography demonstrated an abnormally dilated pulmonary vein, confirming a pulmonary varix.
- This case underscores the diagnostic value of pulmonary angiography for pulmonary varices.
Implications:
- Pulmonary varices require accurate diagnosis for appropriate management, although often asymptomatic.
- Pulmonary angiography remains the gold standard for confirming pulmonary varices.
- Increased awareness and utilization of angiography can improve the diagnosis of this rare condition.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction
Venous Thrombosis I: Introduction
Varicose Veins I: Introduction

