Pulmonary artery aneurysm presenting as a peripheral coin lesion--the danger of needle biopsy.

A peripheral pulmonary artery aneurysm appeared as a solitary, smooth and discrete coin lesion in the lung. The aneurysm was surgically resected. Various etiologies possibly responsible for this entity are discussed. The complications of transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy are reviewed, with emphasis on the hazards of puncturing a vascular lesion, as well as suggested steps to avoid this complication.