Pulmonary arterial webs

Last revised by Reuben Schmidt on 23 Apr 2021

In thoracic imaging, a pulmonary arterial web is given to describe fibrotic bands which are delicate ribbonlike structures anchored to the vessel wall at two ends with a free unattached mid portion. Sometimes, the term ‘web’ is also used to describe a bands that have branches and form networks of varying complexity. This should not be confused with pulmonary artery banding which is a surgical technique to reduce pulmonary overcirculation in certain congenital heart diseases 4.

Pulmonary arterial webs are a late sequelae of chronic pulmonary thromboembolism.

Radigraphic features

CT - CTPA

There are typically seen as thin lines surrounded by contrast material. These bands generally range around 0.3-2 cm in length and from less than 0.1-0.3 cm in width 2. They are usually oriented along the direction of blood flow along the long axis of the vessel. 

Webs are more often seen in the distal lobar or segmental arteries 5.

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.