Hydrostatic pulmonary edema in sheep. Effects of bronchial artery embolization on the plain chest radiograph.
OBJECTIVE
The bronchial circulation may influence pulmonary edema. This study evaluates possible effects of bronchoesophageal artery embolization on the plain film manifestations of hydrostatic pulmonary edema in sheep.


METHODS
Anteroposterior and lateral chest radiographs were obtained during the induction of pulmonary edema both before and after embolization of the bronchoesophageal artery in six adult sheep. Interstitial lines and perivascular, segmental bronchial, proximal bronchial, carinal, tracheal, and parenchymal edema were evaluated.


RESULTS
Only parenchymal edema was graded consistently. Though edema increased with left atrial pressure before embolization (P < .001), there was no similar change afterward. The embolized animals tended to be more edematous by the first film.


CONCLUSIONS
Rather than any protective effect, bronchoesophageal artery embolization may increase edema. This model may be inappropriate for further investigation of the bronchial circulation in the development of human pulmonary edema.
Worrell
J A
JA
Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2675.
Carroll
F E
FE
Don
C J
CJ
Loyd
J E
JE
Moore
D E
DE
Parker
R E
RE
Mazer
M J
MJ
D000818:Animals; D001980:Bronchi / Q000098:blood supply*; D001981:Bronchial Arteries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001995:Bronchography; D004617:Embolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012756:Sheep