Radiology Case Reports (May 2022)

Giant mediastinal bronchial artery aneurysm mimicking mediastinal mass: A case report and brief review of the literature

  • Aneri B. Balar, MD,
  • Dhairya A. Lakhani, MD,
  • Daniel Martin, MD,
  • Kelly T. Smith, MD, MS,
  • Cathy Kim, MD

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 17, no. 5
pp. 1496 – 1501

Abstract

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Bronchial artery aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm is a rare but life-threatening diagnosis due to catastrophic complications from rupture. Prompt detection and management is key to prevent complications. CT angiogram and digital subtraction angiography are preferred diagnostic imaging modalities. Being very uncommon, these entities can be misdiagnosed as a nonspecific mediastinal soft tissue mass, which can lead to delay in diagnosis and inappropriate or delayed management. We present a case of 72-year-old woman with incidentally detected large bronchial artery pseudoaneurysm, incorrectly classified as mediastinal malignancy at outside facility, receiving follow-up exams for 2 years, before correct diagnosis and management.

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