Transpleural ultrasound diagnosis of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are rare. We discuss a case of an 81-year-old female who attended hospital with a haemothorax. Ultrasound not only demonstrated an echogenic effusion in the right pleural space, but also identified an associated tubular structure. Doppler was applied to this structure, which exhibited pulsatile flow. This raised the possibility of a PAVM, which was subsequently confirmed on CT and angiography. Although, PAVM is a rare cause of haemothorax, the diagnosis should still be considered and transpleural ultrasound can detect these malformations non-invasively by the bedside.
Groves
A M
AM
Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Teaching Hospitals Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
See
T C
TC
Appleton
D S
DS
Win
T
T
Screaton
N J
NJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011667:Pulmonary Veins / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography