Spectrum of Multi-Detector Computed Tomography Findings that Alter Pulmonary Artery Diameters in Adults

Abstract

Abnormalities in the anatomy of pulmonary arteries may have heritable or environmental causes and involve a reduction or enlargement in transverse diameters of the blood vessels eg, congenital and developmental disorders, acquired intrinsic causes, extrinsic compression, and constriction. Pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, and idiopathic dilatation can also increase the diameter of a pulmonary artery. Multi-detector computed tomography (CT) is useful to evaluate each pulmonary artery and to diagnose the conditions that alter the diameter of the pulmonary artery. It is important to be familiar with the CT features of a variety of disorders to allow for accurate diagnoses and appropriate therapeutic management.