Penetrating chest trauma after attempted suicide: An extraordinary behavior of a posttraumatic pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm

J Radiol Case Rep. 2020 Jul 31;14(7):19-25. doi: 10.3941/jrcr.v14i7.3842. eCollection 2020 Jul.

Abstract

Posttraumatic pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm is a very rare, yet potentially lethal complication after thoracic trauma. Pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm is associated with high mortality. Still literature highlights that untreated, lesions can enlarge, rupture, and lead to exsanguination and death. We present a case of a posttraumatic peripheral pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm with complete disappearance after one year. This case confirms that conservative treatment can be an effective option in asymptomatic and stable patients.

Keywords: Penetrating chest trauma; contrast enhanced computed tomography; non-operative treatment; pseudoaneurysm; pulmonary artery; spontaneous resolution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, False / diagnosis
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Artery*
  • Suicide, Attempted*
  • Thoracic Injuries / complications*
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Wounds, Penetrating / complications*
  • Wounds, Penetrating / diagnosis