Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
07:12
An Approach to Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
Pulmonary artery dissection mimicking mediastinal mass
Halil Mutlu1, Ihsan Ekin Demir, Lynn N Mutlu
1Department of Internal Medicine, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA.
Heart & Lung : the Journal of Critical Care
|June 3, 2009
Summary
Pulmonary artery dissection (PAD) is a rare condition often diagnosed postmortem. Consider PAD in patients with pulmonary hypertension and symptoms like chest pain or dyspnea.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pulmonary artery dissection (PAD) is a rare condition.
- It is often diagnosed postmortem, particularly in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
- Imaging modalities like CT, MRI, and echocardiography can aid in diagnosis.
Observation:
- A patient with emphysematous chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and secondary pulmonary hypertension presented with symptoms suggestive of a mediastinal mass on CT scan.
- The patient's condition was ultimately diagnosed via autopsy.
Findings:
- The CT findings mimicked a mediastinal mass, highlighting a potential diagnostic challenge.
- Autopsy confirmed pulmonary artery dissection in a patient with severe COPD and pulmonary hypertension.
Implications:
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for PAD in patients with chronic pulmonary hypertension presenting with dyspnea and chest pain.
- Early consideration of PAD may improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare diagnoses in complex clinical scenarios.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
01:19Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
01:23Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations: