Related Experiment Videos
Balloon embolization of a mycotic pulmonary artery aneurysm
Abstract:
A patient presented to the hospital with mild hemoptysis of 1 day's duration and an infiltrate on chest roentgenogram. Shortly after admission, she developed shock, massive hemoptysis, and a bloody pleural effusion that yielded Streptococcus viridans. Pulmonary arteriography revealed a peripheral pulmonary artery aneurysm, which was embolized with a detachable silicone balloon, resulting in immediate cessation of hemoptysis. An acute pneumonia associated with moderate to massive hemoptysis raises the possibility of mycotic aneurysm; pulmonary arteriography is indicated, which allows for diagnosis and treatment during the same study. Successful embolization may obviate the need for surgery or convert an emergency thoracotomy to an elective procedure.
Insights
A patient with pneumonia experienced massive hemoptysis due to a pulmonary artery aneurysm. Pulmonary arteriography diagnosed the aneurysm, and embolization successfully stopped the bleeding, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Acute pneumonia can present with hemoptysis.
- Massive hemoptysis may indicate a mycotic aneurysm.
Observation:
- A patient with pneumonia developed shock and massive hemoptysis.
- Bloody pleural effusion yielded Streptococcus viridans.
- Pulmonary arteriography revealed a peripheral pulmonary artery aneurysm.
Findings:
- Embolization of the pulmonary artery aneurysm with a silicone balloon ceased hemoptysis.
- Pulmonary arteriography is crucial for diagnosing and treating mycotic aneurysms.
Implications:
- Embolization can be a life-saving, minimally invasive treatment for pulmonary artery aneurysms.
- Successful embolization may prevent the need for emergency surgery.