Obstruction of the superior vena cava due to aortic dissection: CT findings of collateral venous flow via the bronchial veins.
Obstruction of the superior vena cava caused by acute aortic dissection can lead to collateral flow in the azygos and hemiazygos system, as well as to reversal of flow in the pleurohilar and bronchial veins. In the latter case, a small right-to-left shunt has formed. We describe the findings in such a case on a contrast enhanced spiral CT.
Schepers-Bok
R
R
Department of Radiology, Leyenburg Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Mallens
W M
WM
D000368:Aged; D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D001980:Bronchi / Q000098:blood supply*; D003097:Collateral Circulation; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed