Transpleural systemic artery-to-pulmonary artery communications in the absence of chronic inflammatory lung disease. A case series and review of the literature.

Aim

To describe the causes and computed tomography (CT) and angiographic appearances of transpleural systemic artery-to-pulmonary artery shunts in patients without chronic inflammatory lung disease and determine their best management.

Materials and methods

All patients referred to a tertiary referral unit between January 2009 and January 2020 in whom a diagnosis of a systemic-to-pulmonary artery communication without underlying chronic inflammatory lung disease was subsequently made have been included in this report. Medical records and imaging findings were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Ten patients (male: female ratio = 7:3; median age 42 years [range 22-70 years]) with systemic artery-to-pulmonary artery shunts without chronic inflammatory lung disease were identified. Five were misdiagnosed as having a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and had been referred for embolisation. In six patients, there was either a history of accidental or iatrogenic thoracic trauma or of inflammatory disease involving the pleura, and in two patients, in whom a previous medical history could not be obtained, there were CT features suggesting previous pleural inflammatory disease. Two shunts were thought to be congenital. All individuals were asymptomatic other than one with localised thoracic discomfort that dated from the time of surgery. All patients were managed conservatively and have remained well with a median follow-up of 4.5 years (range 1-11.3 years).

Conclusions

Localised transpleural systemic artery-to-pulmonary artery shunts in the absence of chronic inflammatory lung disease are usually related to previous thoracic trauma/intervention or abdominal or pulmonary sepsis involving a pleural or diaphragmatic surface. Congenital shunts are rare. The present study and much of the literature supports conservative management.

Copyright © 2021 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.