Pitfalls in the diagnosis of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations

Abstract

SummaryA homogeneous opacity of the right upper lobe was found radiographically in a 15-month-old male child during investigation of an upper respiratory tract infection. Based on computerized tomography, the diagnosis was made of a solid tumor of the lung. At thoracotomy, dilated serpentine vessels were found on the surface of the right upper lobe, and the diagnosis of a large arteriovenous malformation was considered. Use of enhanced computed tomography without contrast and failure to note a reduced arterial oxygen saturation were two diagnostic pitfalls. The diagnosis of an arteriovenous malformation was confirmed by pulmonary angiography, and a right upper lobectomy was successfully performed.