Objective: To establish the method of multi-slice spiral CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA)combined with bronchial angiography (CTBA) and to evaluate its value for diagnosis and treatment in hemoptysis.
Methods: After contrast material was administered intravenously, a 16-detector row helical CT scanner (Light Speed Ultra 16; GE Medical Systems) was used to complete CTPA first with a scan delay time of 12 - 16 s. Then CTBA was carried out, with a scan delay time of 26 - 28 s. The images were reformatted to evaluate the pulmonary artery and bronchial artery (BA).
Results: In 36 cases of hemoptysis, CTPA showed 7 pulmonary arterial abnormalities (3 cases with pulmonary embolism, 4 cases with one of pulmonary artery abnormity, primary pulmonary artery leiomyosarcoma, loss of sharpness of pulmonary artery or occlusion of right-inferior lung artery). In the 36 cases, CTBA showed 37 right BAs (11 tortuosity and thickening), 40 left right BAs (10 tortuosity and thickening) and 3 non-bronchial systemic arteries (1 from abdominal aorta tortuosity and thickening). Abnormal vessels had a close relation with pulmonary diseases.
Conclusions: With this method CTPA and CTBA can be completed in a single procedure and abnormal pulmonary arteries and bronchial arteries can be shown clearly. This procedure maybe of important value for the diagnosis and treatment of hemoptysis.