Visualization of pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma by color-coded iodine map using dual-energy computed tomography

Pulmonary artery intimal sarcomas (PAIS) are often misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolisms (PE) as their clinical findings and imaging findings are similar. However, given the clinical outcome of both diseases is different in its prognosis, accurate and rapid diagnosis is mandatory. This is a case report of a histologically-proven PAIS which was initially treated as a PE. The color-coded iodine map using dual-energy computed tomography (dual-energy CT iodine map) well reflected the distribution of the tumor consistent with ¹⁸fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-uptake region using positron emission tomography/CT. This case demonstrates the potential of using dual-energy CT iodine map to differentiate PAIS from PE.

Use of a dual-energy computed tomography iodine map to visualize a pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma may provide useful diagnostic information.