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Bilateral pulmonary artery aneurysms in Behçet's disease
Y Almog1, G Polliack, M Dranitzki Elhalel
1Dept of Internal Medicine A, Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
The European Respiratory Journal
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Behçet's disease can cause pulmonary artery aneurysms, presenting as lung masses. Dynamic computed tomographic (CT) scans are recommended for diagnosing these rare vascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Rheumatology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Behçet's disease is a rare multisystemic inflammatory disorder.
- Pulmonary involvement, though uncommon, can be life-threatening.
- Aneurysms of the pulmonary artery are a recognized but infrequent complication.
Observation:
- A patient presented with constitutional symptoms (fever) and respiratory signs (hemoptysis).
- Imaging revealed large bilateral perihilar masses.
- Histological examination was crucial for definitive diagnosis.
Findings:
- The perihilar masses were identified as pulmonary artery aneurysms.
- These aneurysms were attributed to underlying pulmonary vasculitis.
- The vasculitis was a manifestation of Behçet's disease.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering Behçet's disease in patients with unexplained pulmonary artery aneurysms.
- Routine dynamic computed tomographic (CT) scanning is suggested for the evaluation of patients with suspected pulmonary vasculitis.
- Early diagnosis and management are critical to prevent potentially fatal complications such as aneurysm rupture or pulmonary hemorrhage.