Evaluating Bronchial Drainage Pathways in Patients with Lung Disease Using Digital Subtraction Angiography

摘要

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES.The purpose of the study was to evaluate the venous drainage pathways of the bronchial circulation during bronchial embolotheraphy or infusion therapy.METHODS.The subjects consisted of 21 patients with lung disorders. All of them underwent bronchial arteriography for drug infusion or embolization. Bronchial arteriography was done using both cut-film and digital subtraction methods.RESULTS.The venous drainage pathways of arteriograms could be determined in 15 (71) patients and classified into the four types: type 1, direct drainage into a pulmonary vein; type 2, drainage into a pulmonary artery with antegrade flow; type 3, drainage into a pulmonary artery with retrograde flow; and type 4, drainage into a bronchial vein. No drainage route could be identified in six (29) patients.CONCLUSIONS.Digital subtraction angiography can depict the venous drainage pathways in most patients. Drainage occurs into a pulmonary vein in the majority of patients.