Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation: A Rare Cause of Right to Left Shunt.

Abstract

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are rare anomalies where pulmonary arteries and veins communicate by passing the pulmonary capillary bed. They are mostly congenital in origin, however sometimes may be acquired. They may present as a diagnostic dilemma in plain radiography. Computed tomography angiogram has emerged as the diagnostic modality of choice not only for diagnosing the case but also for delineating the angioarchitecture that is useful in treatment planning by surgery or transcatheter embolisation. Here we present a case of a child with large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation being treated as pneumonia and finally diagnosed on computed tomography angiogram.