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Case Reports
. 2023 Apr 26;15(4):e38157.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.38157. eCollection 2023 Apr.

Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm: A Rarity and Surgical Enigma

Joel Badders  1 , Patrick Roughneen  2 , Navyatha Mohan  3 , Erin Roughneen  4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Pulmonary Artery Aneurysm: A Rarity and Surgical Enigma

Joel Badders et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Given the low incidence of pulmonary artery aneurysms (PAAs), proven surgical indications do not yet exist. We present a patient with a 6.3 cm PAA who underwent an open sternotomy, pulmonary artery aneurysmectomy, and repair with an aortic homograft. We discuss surgical indications, including pain, growth in diameter, and diameter of 5.5 cm and larger. The current recommended surgical indication for the size of PAAs is based on recommendations for aortic aneurysms and observation in a small number of operable patients, highlighting the need for more discussion and reporting of this rare presentation.

Keywords: aneurysmectomy; atypical chest pain; pulmonary artery aneurysm; surgical indications; thoracic aneurysm; thoracic surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. CT thorax with contrast showing a PAA measuring 60.3 mm (6.3 cm)
PAA: pulmonary artery aneurysm
Figure 2
Figure 2. Morphological cardiac MRI (1.5 T with gadolinium contrast) showing erosion of the PAA into the sternum
Yellow arrow: pulmonary artery eroding into the sternum Green arrow: PAA as previously appreciated Red arrow: aortic aneurysm
Figure 3
Figure 3. CT thorax with contrast. One-year postoperative evaluation showing stable pulmonary artery diameter and post-reconstruction changes compared to immediate postoperative evaluation
Green arrows: post-reconstruction changes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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