Chronic pulmonary embolism: diagnosis

Introduction

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE) are major health issues which affect up to 600,000 patients per year in the U.S. (1). Most patients will fully recover after an episode of PE, with resolution of the emboli and restoration of blood flow (2,3). However, in a small subset of patients, residual clots will remain attached to pulmonary vessels walls, leading to organization and fibrosis, resulting in blood flow impairment and increased pulmonary vascular resistance (4). In addition to these events, endothelial dysfunction and small vessel remodeling may also play a role in the genesis of pulmonary hypertension (5). The current World Health Organization classification on pulmonary hypertension considers chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) as a separate group (group 4) given to its distinctive pathophysiology (6).

A literature review identified epidemiological data on CTEPH available by June 2014 in the U.S., Europe and Japan (7). In the U.S. and Europe, the crude annual incidence of CTEPH was 3–5 cases per 100,000 individuals/year. The incidence of CTEPH in U.S. and Europe following an episode of PE ranged from 0.1% to 9.1% (7). A recent meta-analysis revealed pooled CTEPH incidence of 0.56% in all consecutive patients with symptomatic PE (3). A large prospective single-center study found respective PAH incidences of 1%, 3%, and 4% at 6, 12, and 24 months following a PE episode, despite anticoagulation therapy (2). This study revealed that a previous pulmonary embolism, younger age, a larger perfusion defect, and idiopathic pulmonary embolism at presentation increased the risk of CTEPH (2). Given the long latency from the embolic episode to symptom onset (average time-interval of 18 months), CTEPH may be frequently under-recognized, and patients will present with severe functional limitation by the time of diagnosis (8). It is known that CTEPH prognosis heavily depends on hemodynamic severity, notably in those without therapeutic intervention. A 30% 3-year survival has been reported in patients with a mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) higher than 30 mmHg (9). The study reported respective mortality rates of 12% and 50% for patients with mPAP <30 mmHg [mild pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)] and mPAP >30 mmHg, thus highlighting initial use of anticoagulation for patients with proximal CTEPH and mild PAH, reserving endarterectomy for failure of medical therapy (9).

Despite its poor prognosis, CTEPH is a potentially curable disease (10). Pulmonary endarterectomy is the treatment of choice in CTEPH patients, with declining mortality rates as low as 2.2% in experienced centers (11). Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy removes obstructive and hardened thrombus and markedly improves the hemodynamic measures of mean pulmonary-artery pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and cardiac output. Improvement in hemodynamics causes reverse right ventricular remodeling and the return of right ventricular systolic and diastolic function toward normal levels (12-15). Balloon pulmonary angioplasty is an emerging treatment modality for inoperable patients (16-20), currently limited to experienced and high-volume CTEPH centers (10).

CTEPH diagnosis

PAH is a term reserved for patients with pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension. The diagnostic criteria for PAH includes a resting mean pulmonary arterial pressure greater than or equal to 25 mmHg and pulmonary arterial wedge pressure less than or equal to 15 mmHg on right heart catheterization (RHC). PAH caused by thromboembolic disease is suggested by segmental perfusion defects without matching ventilation abnormalities on ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy (V/Q scan). Further presence of specific imaging findings on computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA), cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging or conventional pulmonary angiography (CPA) will define the diagnosis of CTEPH (10). The diagnostic criteria for CTEPH are summarized in Figure 1.

Figure 1 Diagnostic criteria for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. CTEPH, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension; lung V/Q scan, ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy; CTPA, computed tomography pulmonary angiography; CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance; CPA, conventional pulmonary angiography.

Multiple risk factors have been linked to CTEPH, such as underlying autoimmune or hematological disorders (e.g., lupus anticoagulant or antiphospholipid syndrome), cancer and other comorbidities such as ventriculoatrial shunts, infected pacemaker leads, splenectomy, non-O blood group, and thyroid replacement therapy (21-23). Potential etiologies have been attributed to increased hypercoagulability, reduced fibrinolytic capacity, and genetic polymorphisms leading to fibrinolysis resistance (24). Impaired angiogenesis and inflammation also seems to play an important role in the development of CTEPH; however, there is no effective method to predict which patients with acute PE are at higher risk of developing CTEPH (25).

CTEPH symptoms are nonspecific and usually related to the development of pulmonary hypertension. Patients may be asymptomatic for several years before presenting with progressive exertional dyspnea, chronic nonproductive cough, atypical chest pain, tachycardia, syncope and cor pulmonale. The clinical deterioration is usually related to loss of right ventricular functional capacity (26,27). The 6-minute walking test is commonly used and inexpensive method capable of providing prognostic information in patients with CTEPH (28,29).

Echocardiography

Resting transthoracic echocardiography is an imaging tool recommended for further assessment of suspected pulmonary hypertension (ACR appropriateness criteria rating: 9; where 1, 2, and 3 are usually not appropriate, 4, 5, 6 may be appropriate, and 7, 8, 9 are usually appropriate) (30). Although transthoracic echocardiography with Doppler imaging is sensitive for the detection of pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction, it is not specific for the diagnosis of CTEPH, since it does not differentiate acute/subacute from chronic PE (31). Notwithstanding, it can exclude intracardiac shunts or left-sided heart disease as cause of pulmonary hypertension. Common echocardiography findings in CTEPH include right atrial and ventricular dilatation, right ventricular hypertrophy and hypokinesis, paradoxical deviation of the ventricular septum towards the left and tricuspid regurgitation. Pulsed Doppler assessment of the tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity provides an estimate of the pulmonary artery systolic pressure, which in turn can be used to estimate the mean pulmonary artery pressure (32).

RHC

RHC is a complementary method to echocardiography, usually indicated for further confirmation of the mean pulmonary artery pressure (ACR appropriateness criteria rating: 9) (30), especially when the diagnosis remains uncertain following non-invasive studies (10).

Other imaging modalities also have important roles in CTEPH management. The combination of different methods can provide detailed anatomic and functional information, which may be used to further differentiate CTEPH from other causes of pulmonary hypertension, to aid in treatment planning, and to assess therapy response. The most common imaging methods used for those purposes are chest radiography (CXR), V/Q scan, conventional and dual-energy CTPA, CMR, and CPA.

CXR

CXR is often performed as part of the initial evaluation (ACR appropriateness criteria rating: 9) (30) and may be normal in the early stage of the disease. In advanced cases, CXR shows signs of pulmonary hypertension, such as dilatation of central pulmonary arteries (Figure 2A), enlargement of the cardiac silhouette and obliteration of the retrosternal clear space on the lateral view (Figure 2B). Right atrial enlargement on frontal CXR may also be observed. Other findings include lobar or segmental lung oligemia and pleuroparenchymal scarring secondary to previous embolic episodes (33,34). A study on 36 patients showed that the presence of an avascular pulmonary region or enlargement of the right interlobar pulmonary artery greater than 20 mm with pleural abnormality on CXR had respective sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 92% for differentiating CTEPH from primary pulmonary hypertension (35).

Figure 2 Frontal (A) and lateral (B) view chest radiographs show enlarged central pulmonary arteries (arrows), increased cardiothoracic index and obliteration of the retrosternal clear space (arrowhead).

Ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy

If on the one hand CTPA is the standard of care for diagnosing acute PE, on the other, V/Q scan is first-line screening modality for detecting CTEPH (ACR appropriateness criteria rating: 8) (10,30). In a retrospective study, V/Q scan has shown superiority to CTPA for diagnosing CTEPH, with respective sensitivities of 97% versus 51% and specificities of 90­–95% vs. 99% (36). By contrast, a more recent prospective study revealed comparable accuracies between both methods in the diagnosis of CTEPH (37).

Diagnostic criteria for CTEPH on V/Q scans include one or more segmental or larger mismatched perfusion defects (Figure 3). Table 1 summarizes the diagnosis criteria for pulmonary embolism on V/Q scans. Other causes of pulmonary hypertension (e.g., idiopathic PAH and pulmonary venoocclusive disease) generally present with normal scans or unmatched/non-segmental perfusion abnormalities (i.e., “mottled” perfusion scans) secondary to diffuse involvement of small-caliber vessels (38,39). It has been claimed that in addition to high diagnostic performance, V/Q scans could also deliver less radiation dose than CTPA (40); however, systematic comparisons with current dose-reduced CTPA protocols are lacking. Undisputedly, V/Q scans are a safer choice than CTPA in patients with severe iodine contrast allergy and with decreased renal function.

Figure 3 Left posterior oblique (LPO) imaging with intravenous injection of albumin macroaggregate-^99mTc revealing multiple segmental perfusion defects in the left lung (arrows, A), with corresponding normal ventilation on LPO imaging obtained with inhalation of ¹³³Xenon (B). Right posterior oblique (RPO) perfusion scintigraphy also revealing mismatched segmental perfusion defects in the right lung (arrows, C) with normal ventilation (D).

Table 1 Ventilation/perfusion scan interpretation criteria for pulmonary embolism
Full table

Normal findings at V/Q scans practically exclude the presence of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism; however, false negative results may be seen due to recanalization of chronic thrombi. False interpretation can also occur in areas of matched V/Q defects that reflect compensatory response of the lung chronic hypoperfusion, leading to reduction in ventilation. Another well-known pitfall of planar V/Q is “shine-though”, which occurs when normally perfused areas overly hypoperfused areas on planar imaging, resulting in underestimation of the presence and extent of PE (41-43).

High-probability and non-diagnostic scans require further diagnostic workup since V/Q scans are not specific for CTEPH. Pathologies such as pulmonary artery sarcoma, fibrosing mediastinitis, vasculitis and extrinsic compression of pulmonary vasculature may also produce large segmental perfusion defects. In addition, V/Q scans do not allow determination of the magnitude, location or proximal extent of disease, and thus cannot predict its surgical operability (44). By contrast, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) V/Q can improve the accuracy for detecting and quantifying perfusion defects over planar V/Q scan and CTPA (45-48). SPECT-CT V/Q imaging may provide some anatomic information to help addressing non-embolic causes of perfusions defects (49), but with higher radiation dose due to adding a non-contrast CT acquisition.

CTPA

The role of CTPA in the diagnosis of acute PE has been robustly established (50). However, its importance in CTEPH diagnosis has been changing over time. Recent evidence suggests that the diagnostic performance of CTPA in CTEPH is non-inferior to that of V/Q scan (37). Studies have shown high sensitivity and specificity of CTPA for detecting chronic thromboembolic disease at the lobar (97−100% and 95−100% respectively) and segmental (86−100% and 93−99%) levels (51-53). Nevertheless, a negative CTPA does not exclude CTEPH, especially in cases where disease is confined to subsegmental level.

Radiation dose has been historically proposed as one of the shortcomings of CTPA, but recent evidence suggests significant decrease in effective doses in the last decade. The average effective radiation dose of CTPA was previously estimated in 15 mSv (with values between 13−40 mSv), in comparison with 2.0 mSv for lung perfusion ^99mTc-MAA and 0.2 mSv for lung ventilation ^99mTc-DTPA scans (54,55). Newer protocols utilizing tube current modulation and iterative reconstruction algorithms have allowed current effective doses of 7 mSv (56-58). One study has even proposed a submillisievert dose CTPA protocol for diagnosing pulmonary embolism (59) (6).

Imaging findings of pulmonary embolism vary according to the amount of vascular obstruction and to the degree of PAH. According to the location, radiologic findings may be subdivided into vascular and lung parenchymal features (Table 2).

Table 2 CT pulmonary angiography imaging findings in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Full table

Vascular features

Main features of CTEPH on CTPA include occlusive or non-occlusive filling defects in the pulmonary arteries (60,61). Vessel cutoff, abrupt decrease in vessel diameter and absence of contrast enhancement distal to the obstruction are features suggestive of occlusive CTEPH (Figure 4). Partial occlusive filling defects are usually seen as webs or bands of non-resolved thrombi after partial recanalization (62) (Figure 5). Organizing thrombi may also cause focal stenotic arterial segments followed by post stenotic dilation. In more advanced cases, eccentric and irregular arterial wall thickening with reduced caliber are seen, secondary to contraction of the organizing thrombus (Figure 6A,B).

Figure 4 Coronal CT pulmonary angiography image shows a larger thrombus in the right interlobar artery with complete occlusion and vessel cutoff (arrow).

Figure 5 CT pulmonary angiography appearances of chronic thrombi in different patients. Axial images (A) and (B) show webs (arrows), reflecting non-resolved thrombi and partial recanalization. Coronal image (C) shows an eccentric thrombus in right interlobar pulmonary artery with calcified mural thickening (arrow).

Figure 6 CT pulmonary angiography features of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Axial image (A) showing reduced caliber vessels (arrows) related to the contraction of the organizing thrombus and poor contrast opacification in comparison with contralateral arteries (arrowheads). Axial maximum intensity projection (MIP) at the thoracoabdominal transition (B) showing a prominent phrenic artery (arrow) providing systemic collateral circulation, in addition to asymmetric caliber of the pulmonary arteries in the lower lobes (attenuated on the right side, arrowheads). Sagittal MIP reconstruction (C) reveals a prominent bronchial artery providing systemic collateral circulation (arrow).

Chronic obstruction of the pulmonary arteries will lead to compensatory enlargement of the bronchial arteries; however, this is a non-specific finding encountered in many other conditions of reduced pulmonary artery flow, such as fibrotic interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis, and chronic infection. Systemic collateralization may include pleural, intercostal, phrenic, and internal mammary arteries, and will depend of the degree of pulmonary hypoperfusion (Figure 6B,C). Dilation of the proximal segment of the bronchial arteries (greater than 2 mm in diameter) and tortuosity are findings not only indicative of collateral flow, but have also been described as predictors of survival after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (63). Another study has shown that abnormally enlarged bronchial and non-bronchial arteries are more frequently found in CTEPH (73%) than in idiopathic PAH (14%) (64).

The increase in the pulmonary circulation resistance leads to higher pulmonary artery pressures, which will result in ancillary imaging findings. An absolute main pulmonary artery (MPA) diameter >29 mm (measured on the axial plane, at the bifurcation level and orthogonal to the long vessel axis) or an MPA-to-aorta diameter ratio >1:1 are predictors of pulmonary hypertension (65,66). To increase specificity, absolute MPA diameter ≥33 mm and MPA-to-aorta ratio >1.1:1 should be used for pulmonary hypertension diagnosis (Figure 7) (67). Contrary to non-thrombotic causes of pulmonary hypertension, CTEPH usually present with asymmetric dilation of the pulmonary artery branches (60).

Figure 7 CT evaluation of pulmonary hypertension. (A) Noncontrast axial CT shows main pulmonary artery (MPA) of 40 mm and MPA/aorta ratio > 1.1:1, consistent with pulmonary hypertension. The absence of contrast facilitates the observation of chronic eccentric thrombi with mural calcification (arrows). Axial CT pulmonary angiography image (B) shows right ventricular enlargement (right-to-left ventricular ratio greater than 1:1). Webs noted in right lower lobe arteries, consistent with chronic pulmonary embolism (arrow).

Over time, increased right-heart afterload will result in ventricular enlargement and hypertrophy. Accurate measurements of the cardiac chambers on CT relay on ECG-gating, which is not usually employed in CTPA. In a non-gated CTPA, a gross estimate of right-ventricular enlargement may be obtained by dividing the largest transverse diameter of the right by the left ventricle on the axial plane, with abnormal values greater than 1:1 (68-70). Bowing of the interventricular septum towards the left ventricle is another feature suggestive of right-heart strain (71).

Lung parenchyma features

Scars from prior pulmonary infarction may present with parenchymal bands, peripheral irregular linear, or wedge-shaped opacities. These changes are most commonly seen in the lower lobes, often accompanied by pleural thickening. Mosaic perfusion is another feature seen in CTEPH, characterized by alternating regions of increased and decreased lung attenuation due to heterogeneous perfusion (72,73). Marked variation in segmental arteries diameters is usually observed, thus aiding in the differentiation from ground glass opacities. In mosaic perfusion, decreased attenuation is secondary to hypoperfusion distal to the occluded/suboccluded arteries, whereas increased attenuation is related to redistribution of blood flow to patent vessels. In areas of increased attenuation, larger vessels and stronger enhancement after contrast material administration can be seen (60,61,74) (Figure 8). Although more commonly seen in patients with CTEPH, mosaic lung attenuation is nonspecific, and may be also seen in patients with PH due to cardiac or lung disease (75). Air trapping secondary to small airway disease can cause hypoxic vasoconstriction, also leading to mosaic perfusion on CT, usually associated with other features of bronchial disease (76). Interestingly, PE can also cause small airway obstruction/air trapping on exhalation images (77).

Figure 8 Regions of increased (arrowheads) and decreased lung attenuation (arrows) characterize lung mosaicism. Markedly reduced diameter of segmental/subsegmental arteries noted within areas of decreased lung attenuation.

CPA

CPA has been considered the gold standard method for diagnosing CTEPH, providing confirmation of culprit lesions and evaluation of surgical accessibility. The set of imaging findings of chronic PE on CPA include pouch defects, vascular webs/bands, intimal irregularities (Figure 9), abrupt vascular narrowing, vascular obstructions and post-obstructive dilatations (78), and these findings are observed in proximal pulmonary artery in 63% of patients with CTEPH (79). Regarding diagnostic performance, Ley et al. indicated in a prospective study that the sensitivity of conventional angiography was 66% at the main/lobar level and 76% at the segmental level, both of which were lower than that of CTPA (51). The diagnostic role of CPA has been shifting towards conventional and dual-energy CTPA because of its invasiveness and dependency on interventional operator skills. However, CPA is usually performed in combination with RHC, which is indispensable for assessing pulmonary arterial hemodynamics (80). In addition, it may also be used for therapeutic intervention such as balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), which is a treatment option for inoperable CTEPH (16).

Figure 9 Conventional pulmonary angiography correlated with CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA). Selective right pulmonary angiography (A) showing irregularities at the origin of the right upper lobar and proximal interlobar pulmonary arteries (arrows in A), suggestive of chronic pulmonary embolism. Composite image of right and left pulmonary angiography (B) during parenchymal enhancement shows multiple hypoperfused areas, especially in right upper and left lower lobes (asterisks). Coronal maximum intensity projection CTPA (C) shows arterial wall thickening and luminal narrowing in the right pulmonary artery and segmental branches of the left lower lobar pulmonary artery (arrows).

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT)

DECT estimates the density of materials, including iodine, based on their specific X-ray attenuation signatures at two energy levels (81). Iodine density and perfused blood volume (PBV, i.e., iodine in the lungs normalized by pulmonary artery density) can be used to evaluate lung perfusion. Several studies have shown substantial correlation between lung iodine density and perfusion, with comparable results to V/Q scans (82-85). To date, DECT role in thoracic imaging has mainly targeted at pulmonary embolic disease and PAH (61,86-88).

Perfusion defects in CTEPH are depicted as wedge-shaped areas of decreased iodine density on DECT, similarly to those seen in V/Q scans (Figure 10). However, careful interpretation is required when interpreting segmental perfusion defects on DECT. False-positive causes include beam hardening (e.g., a defect affecting the medial right upper pulmonary lung due to contrast in superior vena cava) and motion artifacts (e.g., near the heart or diaphragm) (89). Underlying lung parenchyma disease, such as bullous emphysema, is also cause of pseudo-defects (90). By contrast, perfusion defects can be missed (i.e., false negative) in areas of lung distal to affected vessel due to collateralization or sub-occlusive thrombus (91). Unlike ^99mTC-macroaggregated albumin in perfusion scanning, iodine is capable of entering collateral vessels. Despite limitations, one study has shown sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 76% of DECT in detecting perfusion defects (92) while another study showed sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 92% respectively in the diagnosis of CTEPH (93).

Figure 10 Dual-energy CT with V/Q scan correlation. (A,B) Coronal perfused blood volume map shows multiple segmental and lobar perfusion defects (blue areas, arrows). Planar anterior (C) and posterior (D) perfusion scintigraphy shows corresponding perfusion defects with similar distribution.

Recent studies have explored the correlation of PBV maps with severity of pulmonary arterial obstruction (91) and hemodynamic parameters. Meinel et al. showed that automated quantification of PBV was correlated with both systolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressure, but failed to find correlation between PBV and cardiac index or 6-minute walking distance (94). By contrast, Takagi et al. found that whole lung PBV score was not only associated with pulmonary arterial pressure, but also with pulmonary vascular resistance. Increased iodine density in the pulmonary artery with simultaneously decrease in the whole lung iodine density has been found as a feature of increased pulmonary vascular resistance in PH (95). As with CTPA, need for intravenous iodinated contrast medium and exposure to ionizing radiation are shortcomings of this technique.

CMR angiography

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows not only assessment of the pulmonary arterial circulation with no radiation exposure, but also evaluation of pulmonary perfusion and hemodynamic impact on cardiac function. Magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (MRPA) uses a three-dimensional T1-weighted gradient echo sequence with paramagnetic intravenous contrast material (gadolinium-based agents) to depict the pulmonary arterial bed, capable of identifying typical angiographic findings of CTEPH such as intraluminal webs/bands and abrupt vessel narrowing (Figure 11) (96). The diagnostic performance of MRPA for CTEPH diagnosis is similar to that of CPA, but still inferior to CTPA (10,51,96). On the other hand, 3-dimensional contrast-enhanced lung perfusion MRI has high diagnostic performance for diagnosing CTEPH. Rajaram et al. indicated that lung perfusion MRI has sensitivity of 97%, specificity 92%, positive predictive value 95% and negative predictive value 96% for detecting CTEPH, with comparable performance to perfusion scintigraphy and CTPA (97). Moreover, MRI allows accurate and reproducible functional assessment of the right ventricle when combined with cine techniques. Cardiac findings associated with CTEPH are right ventricular dysfunction and hypertrophy, paradoxical interventricular septal wall motion, and enlargement of pulmonary artery (98) (Figure 12). Despite its usefulness as one-stop shop modality for preoperative assessment of pulmonary artery and heart in CTEPH, MRI is still underutilized in this setting. A longer scan time and the association with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) are some of the disadvantages of this method. NSF is a rare and potentially fatal fibrosing disease, and its association with gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) exposure is widely accepted (99). The use of group I GBCA (gadodiamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, and gadoversetamide) is contraindicated in patients considered at risk of developing NSF: those on dialysis of any form, severe or end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD 4 or 5, i.e., estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m²) without dialysis, and with acute kidney injury (100). The use of GBCA for MRI may also be associated with gadolinium retention in the brain; however, no evidence that this retention may be harmful has been proven to date (101,102).

Figure 11 Magnetic resonance pulmonary angiography (MRPA). Axial post contrast fat-suppressed spoiled gradient recalled echo (A) shows left pulmonary artery dilation with a subtle eccentric crescent-shaped thrombus (arrow). Note a prominent bronchial artery arising from the descending aorta (arrowhead). Tridimensional volume rendered reconstruction (B) showing dilation of the main pulmonary artery (arrowhead) and central branches.

Figure 12 Cine balanced steady-state free precession imaging. Four-chamber view in end-diastole (A) and end-systole (B) showing dilation of the right atrium (RA) and ventricle (RV). Note paradoxical deviation of the interventricular septum towards the left (arrow) during systole. Pulmonary artery wall thickening and luminal narrowing is also seen in the right lower lobe (arrowheads), consistent with sequelae of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH).

Table 3 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different imaging modalities in CTEPH diagnosis.

Table 3 Imaging techniques, advantages and disadvantages in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension diagnosis
Full table

Differential diagnosis of chronic pulmonary embolism

Some disorders involving the pulmonary artery tree can radiologically mimic chronic PE including congenital interruption, vasculitides, primary sarcoma, idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, acute thromboembolism, tumor thrombus/emboli and in situ thrombosis.

Acute pulmonary embolism

Chronic PE is often discovered during CTPA to evaluate acute PE, and sometimes acute and chronic embolism coexists. In acute occlusive PE, the diameter of the pulmonary artery is increased due to impaction of thrombus and pulsatile flow, while in chronic PE, the vessel distal to the obstruction is attenuated (103). Partial filling defects in acute PE may be central or eccentric, with an acute angle with vessel wall generally observed. Conversely, in partially occlusive chronic PE, a peripheral crescent-shaped defect presenting an obtuse angle with vessel wall is seen (Figures 13,14). Luminal narrowing, intimal irregularities, bands, webs and calcifications are other signs that may help to distinguish chronic from acute embolism (104,105). In addition, acute embolic obstruction may increase pulmonary vascular resistance and lead to acute pulmonary hypertension. However, right ventricular hypertrophy would require a latency time to develop. Presence of dilated bronchial arteries also suggests recurrent or chronic PE disease. While in acute PE, normal lung parenchyma or pulmonary infarction (non-enhancing opacity with bubbly lucencies or “reversed halo sign”) are most commonly found, in chronic PE mosaic lung attenuation and lung parenchymal scars from prior infarction are hallmarks. Table 4 summarizes main features used to differential chronic from acute pulmonary embolism on CTPA.

Figure 13 CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) images in acute pulmonary embolism. Axial CTPA images (A and B) show partial filling defects, centrally located in the right pulmonary artery (arrow) and eccentric in segmental branches (arrowheads). Note acute angle between thrombi and vessel walls. Axial lung window (C) shows “reversed halo sign” in the right lower lobe (arrows), a nonspecific sign of pulmonary infarction.

Figure 14 CT pulmonary angiography images in partially occlusive chronic pulmonary embolism. Note peripheral crescent-shaped defects presenting an obtuse angle with vessel wall (arrows in A and B) in contrast with acute angle observed in acute embolism (Figure 13).

Table 4 Differentiation of acute and chronic pulmonary thromboembolism—CT pulmonary angiography findings
Full table

Proximal interruption of the pulmonary artery

Unilateral interruption of the pulmonary artery is a rare developmental anomaly that is commonly associated with other congenital cardiovascular disorders, such as Tetralogy of Fallot and septal defects. However, this condition may occur as an isolated finding in asymptomatic patients (106). Interruption of MPA tends to occur contralateral to the aortic arch, most commonly on the right side when unilateral. If associated with congenital heart disease, it is more commonly left-sided. The pulmonary artery ends blindly at the hilum and the interruption of the artery is smooth without endoluminal changes (106). Blood supply of affected lung occurs through collateral systemic vessels, mainly bronchial arteries.

Takayasu arteritis

Takayasu arteritis is an idiopathic arteritis that mainly affects the aorta and its major branches. Pulmonary artery involvement may occur in 50–80% of patients and is usually a manifestation of late-stage disease. CT shows concentric inflammatory mural thickening of the arteries. Stenosis and occlusion mainly involve segmental and subsegmental arteries, affecting less commonly lobar or main pulmonary arteries. As in other chronic conditions of decreased pulmonary flow, collateral vessels may develop. The clue to the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis versus CTEPH is presence of mural thickening and stenosis involving the aorta and its large branches (107).

Primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery

Primary sarcoma of the pulmonary artery is a rare neoplasm. The types more frequently found are undifferentiated sarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. The main or proximal pulmonary arteries are most usually involved. The tumor manifests as an intraluminal filling defect on CT, resembling a thromboembolus. A filling defect occupying the entire arterial diameter is more common in primary pulmonary sarcoma than in thromboembolism. Extension of the lesion into the lung parenchyma or mediastinum and heterogeneous delayed enhancement at CT angiography are others signs that may help distinguishing between the two entities (108).

Idiopathic PAH

Clinically similar to CTEPH, idiopathic PAH may mimic CTEPH radiologically, particularly if in situ pulmonary artery thrombosis occurs as a complication of PAH. Some CT imaging findings frequently seen in CTEPH and hardly ever seen in idiopathic PAH are enlargement of bronchial and non-bronchial systemic arteries, mosaic lung attenuation, marked regional variation in the size of segmental vessels, and lung parenchymal scars (60,64,75).

Conclusions

Imaging plays a central role in the diagnosis of chronic PE and CTEPH, a condition frequently under or misdiagnosed, but potentially curable with surgery or endovascular intervention. Noninvasive techniques are complementary and not competing modalities in the investigation and management of CTEPH. Although V/Q scan is still considered the first line screening modality, CTPA has become an important piece in the diagnostic workup, capable of not only showing structural and vascular abnormalities, but also of ruling-out differential diagnoses. MRI provides functional and physiological data in a single modality, whereas other emerging methods such as SPECT/CT V/Q and DECT are also continually showing increments in diagnostic accuracy. In conclusion, the evolutions of all diagnostic modalities are responsible for continued improvement in the diagnosis of CTEPH, which in turn may result in more favorable patient outcomes.

Acknowledgements

None.

Footnote

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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