This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Groves, A M Articles by Screaton, N J Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Groves, A M Articles by Screaton, N J

Transpleural ultrasound diagnosis of a pulmonary arteriovenous malformation

¹ Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Teaching Hospitals Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ and ² Department of Medicine, Papworth Hospital, Papworth Everard, Cambridge CB3 8RE, UK

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are rare. We discuss a case of an 81-year-old female who attended hospital with a haemothorax. Ultrasound not only demonstrated an echogenic effusion in the right pleural space, but also identified an associated tubular structure. Doppler was applied to this structure, which exhibited pulsatile flow. This raised the possibility of a PAVM, which was subsequently confirmed on CT and angiography. Although, PAVM is a rare cause of haemothorax, the diagnosis should still be considered and transpleural ultrasound can detect these malformations non-invasively by the bedside.