Left Pulmonary Artery Agenesis in a Pediatric Patient – Case Report

Abstract

Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly, that may develop in isolation, or in association with other congenital cardiovascular anomalies, such as tetralogy of Fallot, septal defects, right-sided aortic arch, or pulmonary atresia. Left-sided pulmonary artery agenesis is less frequent than the right-sided one. Diagnosis of unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis can be difficult. We report the case of a 15 year-old boy who presented with reduced exercise tolerance, shortness of breath and cyanosis. He was diagnosed with left pulmonary artery agenesis, associated with subaortic-ventricular septal defect, right-sided aortic arch, and severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), that precluded the surgical repair. Pulmonary vasodilator therapy was initiated in this case. The mortality rate of this rare anomaly is high due to its complications. It is essential to establish an early and correct diagnosis, in order to provide adequate treatment and prevent complications in this disease.

Keywords

• pulmonary artery
• congenital heart disease
• pulmonary hypertension