Left Bronchial Artery Research Articles

Gastropleural Fistula: A Rare Cause of Intractable Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

Case Presentation: A 48-year-old Caucasian man with history of alcohol abuse, type II diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and multiple abdominal surgeries (partial gastrectomy, partial pancreatectomy, splenectomy and partial left nephrectomy) was transferred to our center for management of melena and shortness of breath. A computed tomography report from outside hospital (OSH) suggested dense material in the stomach and a left lung cavitary lesion, but images were not available for our review. Bronchoscopy revealed remnants of digested food in the left bronchial tree, which was attributed to aspiration at OSH. Soon after arrival to our facility, the patient developed an episode of large hematemesis requiring emergent intubation. GI was consulted for EGD, which did not suggest any gastric cause of bleeding, but a fistulous tract was recognized. Urgent repeat bronchoscopy revealed complete occlusion of the left main bronchus with a visible blood clots and food material. An arteriogram identified the source of the bleeding to be the left pulmonary and bronchial artery, but embolization was not successful and patient was taken for a thoracotomy and lung resection. Intra-operatively, a large abscess was found in the left pleural space with a communicating fistula to the stomach through a diaphragmatic defect. The fistula, gastric wall, and diaphragmatic defect were all successfully repaired and patient recovered well. Discussion: Gastropleural fistula is a rare but potentially lethal condition, which may occur as a complication involving one of three different mechanisms: perforation of the stomach (intrathoracic portion of hiatal hernia), traumatic event to the stomach or lung, or an intraperitoneal gastric perforation with erosion of a subphrenic abscess via the diaphragm. The cause of gastropleural fistula in our case is unclear. One possibility is aspiration pneumonia complicating into abscess, which eroded through the diaphragm into the stomach. Alternate etiology could be gastric in origin, whereby an ulcer eroded through an already adhesed area of a postsurgical stomach into the left lower lobe of the lung. It is important for gastroenterologists and endoscopists to remain cognizant about prior surgical histories, while managing patients with gastrointestinal hemorrhage because many of them may present with complications like gastropleural fistulae decades later.Figure 1Figure 2Figure 3

Isolated Unilateral Absence of Pulmonary Artery: Adult Manifestations of a Congenital Disease

SESSION TITLE: Student/Resident Case Report Poster - Pulmonary Vascular Disease I SESSION TYPE: Student/Resident Case Report Poster PRESENTED ON: Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM INTRODUCTION: Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare congenital disorder. In the absence of other lesions, is survivable into adulthood. Adult patients can present with chest pain (CP), dyspnea on exertion (DOE), recurrent infections, or hemoptysis. Clinical diagnosis is difficult without radiographic support. CASE PRESENTATION: 56 year-old female former smoker with moderate obstructive lung disease presented for second opinion after multiple hospital admissions for CP, DOE and recurrent bronchitis. Hyper-inflated left lung, right mediastinal shift, and absent right hilar shadow noted on chest x-ray (CXR). CT angiogram revealed hypoplastic right lung with right greater left centrilobular emphysema, right nodularity, ground glass, and abrupt cessation right pulmonary artery. Right and left heart catheterization revealed mean pulmonary pressure of 27, and large arterial fistula between the left circumflex coronary artery and several branches of the right pulmonary vasculature. CT coronaries showed proximal interruption of the right pulmonary artery with collateral vasculature recruited from SA nodal branch of the left circumflex, bronchial, internal mammary, intercostal, and phrenic arteries. DISCUSSION: Adult patients with isolated UAPA are often asymptomatic. Common presentations are pulmonary infections, CP, DOE, hemoptysis or pulmonary hypertension (PAH). CXR shows ipsilateral contracted lung with mediastinal, tracheal shift toward the affected side, absent hilar shadow, and contralateral lung hyperinflation. Diagnosis is confirmed with contrast-enhanced CT. Recurrent infections can be secondary to poor blood flow to the affected lung, reduced delivery of inflammatory cells and impaired ciliary function. Decreased blood flow can also result in alveolar hypocapnia causing secondary bronchoconstriction and mucus trapping. PAH results from increased blood flow to the contralateral pulmonary artery, increased shear endothelial stress, and release of vasoconstrictors. Our patient's chest pain was felt not due to coronary steal as cardiac stress testing was negative. There is no clear consensus on treatment for UAPA other than symptom management. CONCLUSIONS: Although isolated UAPA is a congenital abnormality, it can remain undetected until adulthood. Clinicians need to be aware of characteristic CXR findings that may suggest UAPA. . Reference #1: Harke, A et al. Isolated Unilateral Absence of a Pulmonary Artery: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.” CHEST 2002; (122.4) 1471-477. Reference #2: Yiu MWC et al. Radiological features of isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery. J HK Coll Radiol. 2001;4:277-280. Reference #3: Kruzliak, P et al. Unilateral Absence of Pulmonary Artery: Pathophysiology, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Current Treatment. Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases 2013; 106.8-9: 448-54 DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Santosh Reddy, Kimberly Cao No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Surgical anatomy of the supracarinal esophagus based on a minimally invasive approach: vascular and nervous anatomy and technical steps to resection and lymphadenectomy

BackgroundDuring esophageal dissection and lymphadenectomy of the upper mediastinum by thoracoscopy in prone position, we observed a complex anatomy in which we had to resect the esophagus, dissect vessels and nerves, and take down some of these in order to perform a complete lymphadenectomy. In order to improve the quality of the dissection and standardization of the procedure, we describe the surgical anatomy and steps involved in this procedure.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated twenty consecutive and unedited videos of thoracoscopic esophageal resections. We recorded the vascular anatomy of the supracarinal esophagus, lymph node stations and the steps taken in this procedure. The resulting concept was validated in a prospective study including five patients.ResultsSeventy percent of patients in the retrospective study had one right bronchial artery (RBA) and two left bronchial arteries (LBA). The RBA was divided at both sides of the esophagus in 18 patients, with preservation of one LBA or at least one esophageal branch in all cases. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified in 18 patients. All patients in the prospective study had one RBA and two LBA, and in four patients the RBA was divided at both sides of the esophagus and preserved one of the LBA. Lymphadenectomy was performed of stations 4R, 4L, 2R and 2L, with a median of 11 resected lymph nodes. Both recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified in four patients. In three patients, only the left recurrent nerve could be identified. Two patients showed palsy of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, and one showed neuropraxia of the left vocal cord.ConclusionsKnowledge of the surgical anatomy of the upper mediastinum and its anatomical variations is important for standardization of an adequate esophageal resection and paratracheal lymphadenectomy with preservation of any vascularization of the trachea, bronchi and the recurrent laryngeal nerves.

Visualization of bronchial circulation at bronchial anastomotic site using bronchial fluorescein angiography technique.

Successful bronchial healing after a bronchoplastic procedure mainly depends on bronchial circulation at the anastomostic site. We developed a bronchial fluorescein angiography (B-FAG) technique for visualizing circulation on the bronchial surface. The technique was evaluated in animals. Fluorescein was used as a contrast agent and an autofluorescence imaging (AFI) bronchoscope as a detector. The left main pulmonary artery (PA) and main bronchus of 10 pigs were isolated. After transection of the left main bronchus and bronchial arteries and re-anastomosis of the bronchus, the pigs were randomly divided into two groups: the PA- group (n = 5), in which the pulmonary artery was transected; and the PA+ group (n = 5), in which the pulmonary artery was preserved. Following intravenous injection of fluorescein, the distal anastomotic site was observed for 30 min with autofluorescence imaging bronchoscopy. Bronchial specimens sampled 2 days after the surgical intervention were histologically evaluated. In the PA- group, there was no fluorescein enhancement in the distal bronchus throughout the observation time. However, enhancement, which turned the bronchial surface from magenta to bright green, was clearly observed in less than 207 ± 102.5 s in the PA+ group. The enhancement status detected by bronchial fluorescein angiography was related to the extent of tissue damage, as was proven histologically in the acute healing stage. Bronchial fluorescein angiography clearly visualized the circulatory status promptly after the anastomosis procedure at the central bronchus. This technique is a potentially practical approach to predict ischaemic airway complications following bronchial anastomosis.

Anomalous Bronchial Arteries Originating from a Common Bronchial Arterial Trunk Detected by Trans-Esophageal Echocardiography: A Multi-Faceted Imaging Approach

A 56-year-old male presented to the hospital with fever, chills and malaise. His past medical history included; coronary artery disease status post coronary artery bypass graft surgery, chronic severe mitral regurgitation, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and chronic portal vein thrombosis. Vital signs demonstrated a blood pressure of 130/70 mmHg, heart rate of 110 bpm and normal temperature. The physical examination was unremarkable except for an apical pan-systolic murmur. Two sets of blood culture revealed Group B streptococci. A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) showed mobile vegetation attached to the mitral valve anterior leaflet with severe mitral regurgitation. Additionally, an abnormal continuous turbulent flow with systolic augmentation was noted posterior to the main pulmonary artery trunk. The Peak systolic velocity of this jet was 1.8-2.0 m/s. The high aliasing velocity, the spectral Doppler profile and flow proximity to pulmonary trunk were consistent with an aortic origin of the flow. A cardiac CT angiogram revealed a completely occluded venous graft to the right coronary artery and a patent graft to the obtuse marginal branch. An incidental finding was an anomalous common bronchial artery (BA) trunk arising from the proximal descending thoracic aorta. It gave rise to a large, tortuous right and small left BA. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case report of an anomalous BA detected by TEE. In our patient, two mechanisms may explain the extensive dilatation and tortuosity of the BA system: increased left atrial pressure from chronic severe mitral regurgitation and chronic pulmonary hypertension

A case of massive hemoptysis related to a smoking-history: an acquired form of the Dieulafoy's disease?

The hypervascularization of the bronquial wall, secondary to chronic bronchopulmonary inflammation is a bleeding etiology in smokers, but insufficient to explain certain massive recurrent cases. We report a case of a woman with a smoking history who presented a recurrent and massive hemoptysis. A diagnostic study with laboratory tests, bronchoscopy, computed tomography and echocardiogram did not identify the etiological cause. However, bronchial arteriography showed right and left bronchial tortuous and dilated arteries and demonstrated that a bronchovascular fistula was the origin of the hemoptysis. An acquired form of the Dieulafoy's disease in this context of a smoking history might justify such findings. Bronchial arteriography as a diagnostic method should be the preferred choice rather than bronchoscopy in these cases.

Double Coronary Artery Fistulae: Clinical and Imaging Concerns, and a Review of the Literature

Coronary artery fistulae (CAF) are a rare entity describing abnormal communication between a coronary artery and cardiac chamber or a large intrathoracic vessel and are seldom described in the literature[1]. These fistulae can be either congenital or acquired. Often incidental in finding, CAFs can have serious clinical sequelae, and should be duly reported and discussed with the cardiac team. More than 50% of patients with CAFs may be asymptomatic; 34% may report chest pain; 13% may have symptoms of heart failure, and a minority of 2% may suffer from endocarditis and arrhythmias[2]. The largest series to our knowledge was reported by the Cleveland Clinic, which found 225 patients with incidental CAF out of 126,595 coronary catheterizations (incidence of 0.18%), performed during a span of 28 years [3]. Multiple CAFs are an even rarer entity and only a handful of cases have been reported in the literature to date. Few cases of double CAFs have been reported that describe two different feeder coronary arteries giving rise to separate drainage sites[3]. In our report, however, we describe a new entity: a single-feeder coronary vessel communicated with two drainage sites. Our case is curiously unique, in which we report a single artery, originating from the right coronary artery (RCA) with double drainage sites – one to the left pulmonary artery and the second to the left bronchial artery.

Coronary CT findings of coronary to bronchial arterial communication in chronic pulmonary disease.

To describe the coronary CT findings of coronary-to-bronchial artery communication (CBAC) in chronic pulmonary disease. Coronary CT was performed in 15 patients with chronic pulmonary disease using 64-channel or greater multidetector CT. Among those patients, one or two CBACs were identified. A retrospective analysis of the CT findings was done to determine the originating artery, arterial course of the communications and other associated results. The main underlying pulmonary disease was bronchiectasis (n = 12). The origin of the CBAC was from the left atrial (n = 7) or sinoatrial (SA) nodal (n = 3) branch of the left circumflex artery in nine patients and the SA nodal branch of the right coronary artery in six patients. The CBAC was connected to the left bronchial artery in 11 patients and the right bronchial artery in five patients. The course of the CBAC passed through the interpulmonary venous bare area between reflections of the serous pericardium of the transverse and oblique sinuses in 13 patients. In three patients, it passed through the perivascular space around the left upper or lower pulmonary vein. In one patient, there were two communications-one through the interpulmonary venous bare area and the other through the perivascular space around the left lower pulmonary vein. There was no significant coronary arterial stenosis except in two patients. Bronchial arterial hypertrophy was found in all 15 patients. Detailed analysis of coronary CT can be a helpful guide for hemodynamic significance and clinical management including embolotherapy for CBAC in patients of chronic pulmonary disease with hemoptysis.

The Normal Anatomy and Variations of the Bronchial Arteries: Evaluation With Multidetector Computed Tomography

IntroductionIn this study, we aimed to reveal the normal anatomy and variations of the bronchial arterial system and to determine the sex distribution of these variations by retrospectively reviewing the images of patients who underwent thoracal multidetector computed tomographic angiography for various reasons. Materials and MethodsMultidetector computed tomographic images of a total of 208 patients (151 men; mean age, 59 years) were retrospectively reviewed to assess the normal anatomy and variations of the bronchial arterial system. ResultsA total of 531 bronchial arteries (median, 3; minimum, 1; maximum, 5; mean, 2.5) were detected. The number (mean diameter) of the right bronchial arteries were higher than the left bronchial arteries (290 [1.43 mm] and 241 [1.26 mm], respectively; P < .05 for both number and diameter). The mean number (diameter) of the bronchial arteries were higher with men than with women (2.58 [1.45 mm] and 2.47 [1.32 mm], respectively; P < .05 for both number and diameter). The most common (24%) branching pattern was the combination of 1 right intercostal-bronchial trunk and 1 left bronchial artery, and, secondarily (13.46%), the combination of 2 right (1 intercostal-bronchial trunk and 1 bronchial artery) and 1 left bronchial arteries. Seventy-eight ectopic bronchial arteries were detected in 59 cases (28.3%). They most commonly originated from the aortic arch (37.2%), the descending aorta below the level of T6 (35.9%), or the aortic branches (16.7%). The number of right ectopic bronchial arteries was significantly higher than the left ectopic bronchial arteries (50 [64%] vs 28 [36%]; P < .01). The incidence of ectopic bronchial arteries was statistically higher with men versus women (45 [29.8%] vs 14 [24.6%]; P < .05). ConclusionThe origins, numbers, diameters, and courses of the bronchial arteries can vary substantially among individuals. Multidetector computed tomographic angiography enables a detailed road map of the bronchial arterial system to interventional radiologists and thoracic surgeons.

Left Bronchial Artery Arising from a Replaced Left Hepatic Artery in a Patient with Massive Hemoptysis

Left Bronchial Artery Arising from a Replaced Left Hepatic Artery in a Patient with Massive Hemoptysis

Evaluation of effects of bronchiectasis on bronchial artery diameter with multidetector computed tomography

Among patients with increased bronchial artery diameter there is a significant association between hemoptysis and bronchiectasis score. The higher score of bronchiectasis, the higher risk of hemoptysis development. To investigate the association of stages of bronchiectasis based on a computed tomography (CT) grading system, with bronchial artery diameter and hemoptysis in patients with bronchiectasis. Patients with lung pathologies other than bronchiectasis, which may cause hemoptysis, were excluded from the study. One hundred and forty-five patients who underwent contrast-enhanced thorax CT by a 64-detector CT for various indications, and who were diagnosed with bronchiectasis, were evaluated retrospectively. CT examinations were carried out by two radiologists with 9 and 4 years of experience with chest radiology, respectively. The diameters of the right and left bronchial arteries were measured 1 cm from the aortic origin and perpendicular to the vessel axis. Cases were assessed based on the Bhalla CT scoring system. The hemoptysis history of every patient was taken. The diameters of the right and left bronchial arteries were significantly greater in patients with scores of 2 and 3 bronchiectasis than in patients with a score of 1. This was significantly greater in patients with a score of 3 than in patients with a score of 2 (P < 0.05). In patients with a score of 1, the right bronchial artery diameter was significantly greater than that of the left bronchial artery (P < 0.05). Right bronchial artery diameters were significantly greater than left bronchial artery diameters in score 3 patients (P < 0.05). A significant association was observed between hemoptysis and bronchiectasis in patients with increased bronchial artery diameter (P < 0.05). In patients with bronchiectasis, as the stage of bronchiectasis increases, the bronchial artery diameters and the risk of hemoptysis increase. We think that in patients who are diagnosed with bronchiectasis via multidetector CT (MDCT), based on scoring with bronchial artery diameters, the risk of hemoptysis can be estimated, and early management plans can be implemented.

The Role of Multislice Computed Angiography of the Bronchial Arteries before Arterial Embolization in Patients with Hemoptysis

Purpose: To evaluate the role of multislice computed angiography of the bronchial arteries and nonbronchial systemic arteries in patients with hemoptysis when performed before arterial embolization procedure. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients with hemoptysis underwent multislice CT angiography of the bronchial arteries with dual-source 64 × 2 detector row scanner before embolization. The transverse CT images as well as the multiplanar reconstructions, the maximum intensity projections and the three-dimensional CT images were used for the depiction of bronchial arteries (the total number of the bronchial arteries, the abnormal bronchial arteries, their origin at the aorta and the diameter of the ostium). The presence of nonbronchial systemic arteries regarded as causing hemoptysis was also evaluated. Digital angiography and selective arteriograms of abnormal bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries were performed based on the findings of multislice computed tomography (MDCT). Results: Seventy-eight (40 right and 38 left) bronchial arteries were detected at computed angiography (CTA). Forty of the seventy-eight bronchial arteries that were detected at CTA, were considered abnormal. On selective angiography 38 of these bronchial arteries were regarded as causing hemoptysis. Two of these arteries could not be selectively catheterized and therefore could not be evaluated. All 38 bronchial arteries regarded as causing hemoptysis at selective angiography were detected prospectively at CTA as abnormal. Four bronchial arteries that were found to be responsible for hemoptysis had diameter <2 mm. Twelve nonbronchial systemic arteries were considered to be abnormal on CTA scans. Ten of these twelve nonbronchial systemic arteries were regarded on selective angiography as causing hemoptysis. Two of these arteries were found normal on angiography. All 10 nonbronchial arteries regarded as causing hemoptysis were detected at CTA scans. All bronchial and nonbronchial arteries causing hemoptysis were successfully embolized. Conclusion: MDCT angiography allows detailed identification of abnormal bronchial and nonbronchial systemic arteries using a variety of reformatted images, providing a precise road map for the interventional radiologist.

Endovascular Embolization of an Aberrant Bronchial Artery Originating from the Vertebral Artery in a Patient with Massive Hemoptysis

Endovascular embolization has become an established procedure for the management of massive or recurrent hemoptysis. The bronchial, nonbronchial systemic and pulmonary arteries are possible sources of bleeding, and the major sources of bleeding are the bronchial arteries (BAs). However, the locations of ostia of the BAs have numerous anatomical variations, which can make it technically challenging to identify a bleeding artery. We herein present a rare case of a left BA that originated from the ipsilateral vertebral artery in a patient with massive hemoptysis caused by active tuberculosis. Transarterial embolization was successfully performed, and the hemoptysis has been controlled for 2 months.

Bilateral subclavian origin of the bronchial arteries combined with absence of other origins

There are numerous anatomical variations of the sites of origin of the bronchial arteries (BAs). A subclavian origin of a BA involves an aberrant artery that originates from the subclavian artery (SCA) or its branches. However, the aberrant artery usually originates directly from the SCA, and an SCA-origin BA arising from the branches of the SCA is rare. We herein present an extremely rare case of a right BA arising from the ipsilateral costocervical trunk, and a left BA arising from the ipsilateral thyrocervical trunk, in the absence of other origins of the BA. This anatomical variation was detected during pretherapeutic evaluation by multidetector-row computed tomography and confirmed by selective angiography. Recognition of these anatomic variations is important to surgical, diagnostic, and interventional radiologic procedures in the thorax.

Bronchial artery aneurysm

A 70-year-old female was admitted to our hospital after being diagnosed with lung cancer of the left upper lobe and right bronchial artery aneurysm (BAA) identified by computed tomographic angiography (CTA). We performed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using platinum coils. The postoperativeangiogramafterembolizationshowednoresidualarterialflow,and the procedure was successfully finished with total exclusion of the BAAs. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CTA demonstrated multiple BAAs (A/Cover). Due to the high risk status of the patient, TAE was thought to be more appropriate than open surgical repair. The procedure was performed via femoral artery, using Guglielmi Detachable Coils and Interlocking Detachable Coils (Boston Scientific, Natick, Mass). The final angiography during procedure demonstrated complete exclusion of the BAA without any collateral blood flow (B). Postoperative course was uneventful, and she had a left upper lobectomy and was discharged without any complication.

Hemothorax caused by spontaneous rupture of a metastatic mediastinal lymph node in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Hemothorax caused by spontaneous rupture of a metastatic mediastinal lymph node in hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report

Clinical utility of preoperative evaluation of bronchial arteries by three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography for esophageal cancer surgery

An identification of bronchial arteries (BAs) is critical in esophageal cancer surgery to avoid tracheobronchial ischemia and unexpected massive bleeding during surgical procedure particularly in thoracoscopic video-assisted esophagectomy. We describe the efficacy of three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography (3D-CTA) of BAs for preoperative evaluation in esophageal cancer surgery. Sixty-four patients with esophageal cancer who preoperatively underwent multidetector computed tomography examination were included in this study. We evaluated the number, origin, and intraoperative preservation rate of BAs, and we compared the number of thoracic paratracheal lymph nodes harvested between two groups comprising patients who either underwent preoperative 3D-CTA of BAs (3D-CTA group) or did not (non-3D-CTA group). The right and left BAs were preoperatively identified in 62 patients (97%) and 55 patients (86%), respectively, using 3D-CTA. In 34 patients (53%), the right BA originated as a common trunk with the right intercostal artery. In 48 patients (75%), the left BA originated from the descending aorta as a single or double branch. Some anomalies such as the right BA originated from the left subclavian artery were observed. In all patients, either the right or the left BA was preserved. The number of harvested lymph nodes in left side of paratrachea was significantly increased in 3D-CTA group, than those in non-3D-CTA group. 3D-CTA clearly revealed BA anatomy, contributing to BA preservation and safe and precise lymphadenectomy in esophageal cancer surgery. 3D-CTA of BAs is useful for preoperative evaluation in esophageal cancer surgery.

Aberrant Left Inferior Bronchial Artery Originating from the Left Gastric Artery in a Patient with Acute Massive Hemoptysis

Massive hemoptysis is a life-threatening condition, and the major source of bleeding in this condition is the bronchial circulation. Bronchial artery embolization is a safe and effective treatment for controlling hemoptysis. However, the sites of origin of the bronchial arteries (BAs) have numerous anatomical variations, which can result in a technical challenge to identify a bleeding artery. We present a rare case of a left inferior BA that originated from the left gastric artery in a patient with recurrent massive hemoptysis caused by bronchiectasis. The aberrant BA was embolized, and hemoptysis has been controlled for 8 months.

64-detector row CT evaluation of bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries in life-threatening haemoptysis

To retrospectively evaluate the depiction of bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries with 64-detector row CT in patients undergoing endovascular treatment for life-threatening haemoptysis. 64-detector row helical CT and conventional angiography of the thorax were performed in 28 patients (25 males, 3 females; age range, 18-65 years; mean age, 40 years) with life-threatening haemoptysis. CT images were analysed to identify abnormal bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries and also to localise them in two planes. Using multidetector CT (MDCT), 43 bronchial arteries were identified on the right side and 46 on the left side. 89% of the right bronchial arteries originated from the right intercostobronchial arteries. A common trunk of origin of the right and left bronchial artery was noted in 46% of cases. 23 non-bronchial systemic arteries were noted on the right side and 41 on the left side. Pleural thickening >3 mm was confirmed to be a good predictor of non-bronchial systemic supply. An internal mammary artery diameter of >3 mm and an inferior phrenic artery diameter of >2 mm were sensitive indicators for non-bronchial systemic supply. MDCT is a good investigation tool for evaluating life-threatening haemoptysis as it confirms the disease process, identifies the origin and ostial position of bronchial arteries, detects non-bronchial systemic arteries and acts as a roadmap for percutaneous transcatheter embolisation.

Aortic ostia of the bronchial arteries and tracheal bifurcation: MDCT analysis

To explore the anatomical relationships between bronchial artery and tracheal bifurcation using computed tomography angiography (CTA). One hundred consecutive patients (84 men, 16 women; aged 46-85 years) who underwent CTA using multi-detector row CT (MDCT) were investigated retrospectively. The distance between sites of bronchial artery ostia and tracheal bifurcation, and dividing directions were explored. The directions of division from the descending aorta were described as on a clock face. We identified ostia of 198 bronchial arteries: 95 right bronchial arteries, 67 left bronchial arteries, 36 common trunk arteries. Of these, 172 (87%) divided from the descending aorta, 25 (13%) from the aortic arch, and 1 (0.5%) from the left subclavian artery. The right, left, and common trunk bronchial arteries divided at -1 to 2 cm from tracheal bifurcation with frequencies of 77% (73/95), 82% (54/66), and 70% (25/36), respectively. The dividing direction of right bronchial arteries from the descending aorta was 9 to 10 o'clock with a frequency of 81% (64/79); that of left and common tract bronchial arteries was 11 to 1 o'clock with frequencies of 70% (43/62) and 77% (24/31), respectively. CTA using MDCT provides details of the relation between bronchial artery ostia and tracheal bifurcation.