Abstract
Localized dilatation of the bronchial vein in a 49-year-old man is described. He had undergone direct closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) and anastomosis of the left upper pulmonary vein to the left atrial appendage for partial anomalous pulmonary venous circulation (PAPVC) 2 years ago. Because of continued hemoptysis, bronchofiberscopy was performed, and confirmed dilatation of submucosal vessels in the left upper lobe bronchus. These vessels run mainly longitudinally. Bronchial arteriogram showed no dilated artery, therefore, these vessels were thought to be the bronchial vein. Pulmonary arteriogram and perfusion lung scan suggested closure of the anastomotic site. Return of bronchial arterial blood flow to the pulmonary vein was disturbed, and the bronchial venous flow was increased. It is necessary to fully understand the bronchial arterial circulation in order to analyse the submucosal vascular appearance during bronchofiberscopy.
