Pulmonary varix inside a bulla

Pulmonary varices are uncommon vascular abnormalities that are usually asymptomatic and so they are normally diagnosed by chance from a chest x-ray. They often present as a pulmonary nodule and can be either congenital or acquired. If acquired, they are associated with pulmonary venous hypertension, usually as a result of mitral valve disease. Pulmonary arteriography provides a definitive diagnosis, although the use of new noninvasive imaging techniques is spreading. Treatment is not normally required unless serious complications arise. We present the case of a pulmonary varix located within a pulmonary bulla. This form of presentation has not been previously reported.