Evaluations of bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries in patients with hemoptysis at dual-source computed tomograph: comparison with conventional angiography

Abstract

To retrospectively evaluate the depiction of bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries with dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) versus conventional angiography in patients with hemoptysis. DSCT and conventional angiography of thorax were performed in 66 patients with hemoptysis. There were 46 males and 20 females with a mean age of 45 (22-72) years. Findings on DSCT, including CT scans, maximal intensity projections and three-dimensional volume-rendered images were used to evaluate the visibility and traceability of bronchial and/or nonbronchial systemic arteries. CT scans were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus. The CT findings were compared with those of conventional angiography. A total of 171 (87 right, 84 left) bronchial arteries and 18 nonbronchial systemic arteries were visible on DSCT. The right bronchial arteries arose from intercostal-bronchial trunk thoracic aorta (n = 46), common trunk of both bronchial arteries (CBT) (n = 32) and thoracic aorta (n = 9) whereas left bronchial arteries arose from thoracic aorta (n = 50), CBT (n = 32) and left subclavian artery (n = 2). Compared with angiography, the accuracy of DSCT in the diagnosis of hemoptysis responsible vessels (i.e. dilatation BA) was approximately 88.7% (133/150). DSCT correctly diagnosed 18 nonbronchial systemic arteries, but missed 7; DSCT correctly diagnosed 5 bronchial-pulmonary vascular fistulas, but missed 15. Excellent for evaluating hemoptysis, DSCT may identify the origin and ostial position of bronchial arteries, detect non-bronchial systemic arteries and act as a roadmap for percutaneous transcatheter embolisation.