Rehabilitation of pulmonary artery in congenital unilateral absence of intrapericardial pulmonary artery

Transcatheter recanalisation for absent intra-pericardial pulmonary arteries

Unilateral absence of intra-pericardial pulmonary artery is a rare congenital malformation. If untreated, it can lead to morbidity and mortality in adulthood. Early intervention and restoration of physiologic pulmonary blood flow is necessary. Transcatheter stenting as initial intervention has been rarely reported. We present transcatheter recanalisation and stenting of the obliterated ductus in two newborns with unilateral absence of intra-pericardial pulmonary artery with cross-sectional imaging, procedural details, angiography, and follow up to surgical repair. We believe that such procedure promotes ipsilateral pulmonary vasculature growth to facilitate unifocalization surgery at a later age.

Case report: Reconstruction of the long-gap unilateral absence of right pulmonary artery with contralateral pulmonary artery flap and autologous pericardial graft

Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a rare type of congenital abnormality that may coexist with other congenital abnormalities or present as an isolated lesion, the latter form can be asymptomatic. Surgical procedure is usually carried out when UAPA was diagnosed with significant symptoms, and the aim of surgery is to restore the pulmonary flow distribution. The right-side UAPA is a considerable challenge for surgeons to process surgery, however, technical description of this type of UAPA are limited. Here we described a rare case of a two-month girl with absence of right pulmonary artery, we presented a technique that reconstructs this long-gap UAPA with contralateral pulmonary artery flap and autologous pericardial graft.

Pulmonary artery reconstruction and correction of tetralogy of Fallot combined with the absence of the mediastinal left pulmonary artery

OBJECTIVES

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common deformity combined with the unilateral absence of the mediastinal pulmonary artery (UAMPA), and its treatment strategy remains controversial. In this study, we analyzed the effect of bilateral pulmonary reconstruction in patients with TOF combined with UAMPA.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective review of 1713 patients with TOF between January 2009 and November 2021. Overall, eight patients were diagnosed with TOF combined with UAMPA. Among them, seven underwent surgery: three underwent one-stage TOF correction with bilateral pulmonary artery reconstruction; three patients underwent bilateral pulmonary artery reconstruction, followed by two-stage TOF correction after several months; and one patient underwent two procedures of left pulmonary artery reconstruction, and the ventral septal defect remained open. The left pulmonary arteries were reconstructed with a Goretex conduit in three cases, direct anastomosis in two cases, and the modified autologous tissue extension technique in two cases.

RESULTS

All seven patients survived during the postoperative follow-up and showed good cardiac function and normal oxygen saturation of >97%. During follow-up echocardiography, we noted that the left pulmonary arteries reconstructed with a Goretex conduit or direct anastomosis had thrombosis or stenosis. However, those reconstructed using the modified autologous tissue extension technique was unobstructed.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with TOF and UAMPA, if there is a pulmonary artery confluence in the affected hilum, it is feasible to implement bilateral pulmonary artery reconstruction for one-stage TOF correction. The use of the pulmonary artery extension technique and autologous tissue for bilateral pulmonary reconstruction could reduce the incidence of anastomotic stenosis.

Primary pulmonary artery reconstruction for functional single ventricle with absent central pulmonary artery and bilateral patent ductus arteriosus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate and discuss the outcomes of creating a single systemic-pulmonary shunt and reconstruction of the pulmonary artery continuity in patients with a single functional ventricle, absent central pulmonary artery, and bilateral patent ductus arteriosus.

METHODS

Six infants diagnosed with a functional single ventricle, absent central pulmonary artery, and bilateral patent ductus arteriosus were treated by creating a single systemic-pulmonary shunt and reconstructing the pulmonary artery continuity (primary operation) between January 2010 and September 2020. Pulmonary artery continuity was ensured using the remnant pulmonary artery and an autologous pericardial patch in five patients and a rolled autologous pericardium in one patient.

RESULTS

All patients eventually underwent total cavopulmonary connection. Two patients underwent intrapulmonary artery septation before Glenn or total cavopulmonary connection procedure. The median follow-up period was 9.02 years (interquartile range, 3.90-9.53). No late deaths were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our strategy of establishing a single systemic-pulmonary shunt with reconstruction of the pulmonary artery continuity was useful for treating patients with a functional single ventricle with absent central pulmonary artery and bilateral patent ductus arteriosus. This procedure helped accomplish pulmonary artery growth and ensured an appropriate volume load after total cavopulmonary connection.

Early single-stage surgical revascularization of pulmonary artery in unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery

Background

This research aims to summarize the findings of the early single-stage revascularization of remnant pulmonary artery in unilateral absent intrapericardial pulmonary artery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 10 patients with unilateral absent pulmonary artery, in which 7 were right and 3 were left, the median age and mean weight at surgery was 4 months and 5.6 kg, respectively. The patients received operation from January 2009 to June 2020.

Results

Ten patients, 1 case associated with atrial septal defect, 2 cases with tetralogy of Fallot, and 1 case with aortopulmonary window. The mean diameter of the affected hilar pulmonary artery remnants was 3.14 ± 1.09 mm (1.6-5 mm), and the Z value was − 3.66 ± 1.86 (range, − 6.7 to − 1.75). All the patients received single-stage revascularization: tube graft interposition in 3 patients, autologous pericardial roll in 4, direct anastomosis in one, and main pulmonary artery flap angioplasty in the rest 3. No hospital deaths occurred. Mean follow-up in this cohort was 3.3 ± 1.9 years One case underwent percutaneous balloon dilatation due to new pulmonary artery stenosis. Nonetheless, the results were encouraging, symptoms have improved in all patients. The median Z value of the latest ipsilateral pulmonary artery diameter was − 1.88 (range, − 4.52 to − 1.35), a significantly improvement when compared to the preoperative value. The Z value of that in patients who using Gore-Tex tube increased relatively small.

Conclusions

Single-stage pulmonary artery revascularization is effective at restoring normal antegrade flow to the affected lung, resulting in improved diameter of the PA, regression of pulmonary hypertension, and patient’s symptoms. Revascularization by using the autologous tissue or autologous pericardium may obtain a preferred result. The new pulmonary artery stenosis certainly will need to be addressed in the long-term follow-up.

Effectiveness of stenting and subsequent re-implantation of disconnected pulmonary artery to restore the pulmonary hemodynamics

INTRODUCTION

Early intervention in patients with congenitally disconnected pulmonary artery improves long-term outcome.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present 3 cases of isolated disconnected pulmonary artery in the absence of associated structural heart disease during a period of 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Transcatheter stenting of the feeding ductus arteriosus re-established pulmonary artery flow and growth. Successful surgical repair was achieved, and normal perfusion and complete function of the ipsilateral lung were regained.

Recurrent croup in a young child: look beyond airways disease

We reported here a boy aged 5 years who presented for the evaluation of recurrent croup since infancy. On chest examination, breath sounds were reduced throughout the right lung field with a shifting of the trachea and cardiac apex to the right side. The chest radiograph showed a small right lung with decreased vascularity, hyperinflated left lung and mediastinum shifted towards the right side. Flexible bronchoscopy revealed tracheomalacia with left bronchomalacia due to external pulsatile compression. In CT angiogram, the right pulmonary artery (PA) was absent with dilated left PA. Echocardiography did not show any features of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since the child was growing well, and there was no limitation of activity and evidence of PAH, he was managed conservatively and kept on follow-up. Though unilateral absent PA is a rare condition, it should be suspected in children with unilateral hypoplastic lung.

Hidden pulmonary arteries in tetralogy of Fallot and pulmonary artery pressure in patients operated with a pulmonary artery

Introduction

The absence of a pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly that occurs isolated or with other congenital cardiac disorders, particularly tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); meanwhile, a hidden pulmonary artery might exist and originate from a closed ductus arteriosus (DA), which can be stented to reach the artery.

Material and methods

This prospective study describes cardiac catheterization of nine TOF patients diagnosed with the absence of the left pulmonary artery before the operation. The patients were stratified into three groups: group one, whose closed DA was found and connected to the hidden pulmonary artery with a stent; group two, whose hidden pulmonary arteries were found via the pulmonary vein angiography; and group three, for whom we could not find the remnant of the DA, or our attempt to stent the DA to the hidden pulmonary artery was not successful. We also evaluated outcomes of six other surgically-corrected TOF patients who were operated with the absent left pulmonary artery.

Results

The first group included the patients aged 1, 24, and 30 months, whose CT angiography 6–9 months after stenting showed acceptable left pulmonary artery diameter for surgical correction, and the pulmonary vein angiography of the second group showed a hidden left pulmonary artery with a suitable diameter for surgical correction. However, we were unable to find or stent the DA of group three patients, aged 12, 38, 60, and 63 months. Earlier Angiography might have increased the chance of access to the hidden vessel. Apart from these three groups, follow-ups of six other patients previously corrected with only the right pulmonary artery revealed pulmonary artery hypertension in all patients.

Conclusion

The concealed pulmonary artery might be found, and stenting of the closed DA to it might be performed to improve the diameter of the diminutive pulmonary artery. This procedure may allow TOF total surgical correction with two pulmonary arteries. Besides, pulmonary vein angiography can reveal the hidden pulmonary artery.

Congenital isolated unilateral agenesis of pulmonary arteries in adults: case series and review

Congenital, isolated unilateral agenesis of pulmonary arteries (UAPA) has a bimodal clinical presentation. It is either diagnosed in early infancy or during adulthood. Early diagnosis and timely surgical correction at infancy prevent the development of irreversible pulmonary hypertension and enable prolonged survival. Though surgical intervention is a conclusive method of treatment, its outcome depends upon the reversibility of pulmonary hypertension and the adequacy of the pulmonary artery dimension. Adults with UAPA can be asymptomatic (diagnosed incidentally) or symptomatic. They may present clinically with myriads of symptoms like exertional dyspnea, recurrent lung infection, hemoptysis, and atypical chest pain. For cases where definitive surgical treatment is not feasible, interventional and medical management should be carried out as part of palliative therapy. A retrospective analysis of 22 cases of UAPA in adults published in the literature from the years 2017-2020 are presented here, along with our institutional case.

Successful salvage of the left pulmonary artery in a neonate with isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery

Isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a congenital anomaly where involution of the extrapulmonary PA is insufficient and the intrapulmonary PA is only fed by the ductus arteriosus. Affected lung disorder causes complications years after ductus closure; thus, early diagnosis is of importance to avoid these complications. Here, we present the case of a male infant who was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit because of transient tachypnea of the newborn and absence of the left PA (LPA) was indicated. Intensive echocardiography could detect neither the LPA nor the aortopulmonary collateral arteries to the left lung. Although the ductus was orthotopic with the right aortic arch, use of prostaglandin (PG) E1 unmasked the diagnosis of UAPA with bilateral ductus arteriosus. After ductal closure, delineation of the anatomy is not necessarily easy even with catheterization, whereas early use of PGE1 facilitates anatomical understanding by echocardiography, particularly early after birth. <Learning Objectives: While identification of disrupted pulmonary artery is often unsuccessful after ductal closure in the patients with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery, use of prostaglandin in the neonate with right aortic arch and large orthotropic right ductus arteriosus allowed successful recirculation of the disrupted pulmonary artery by reopening closed contralateral ductus arteriosus. Prostaglandin infusion early after birth delineated anatomical diagnosis of unilateral absence of pulmonary artery due to bilateral ductus, and it also made it possible to perform single stage uni-focalization.>.

Repeat percutaneous recanalizations of a discontinuous pulmonary artery: A very "lucky" vessel

Pulmonary artery (PA) discontinuity with ductal origin of a major pulmonary branch is a rare congenital anomaly that can be diagnosed as an isolated lesion or in association with major cardiac malformations. Arterial duct (AD) closure results in complete disappearance of the dependent PA, thus leading to the misdiagnosis of “congenital PA absence.” Neonatal AD transcatheter recanalization is considered a cost-effective approach in view of later, lower-risk surgical recruitment of the disconnected PA. However, repeat percutaneous recanalizations of a completely occluded PA, the first one as native duct-dependent lesion and the second one several months after its surgical reimplantation, have so far never been reported in the literature. This paper reports on a neonate who serendipitously received at a few weeks of age the diagnosis of “congenital” absence of the right PA. She was successfully submitted to transcatheter AD recanalization and then surgical recruitment of the dependent PA about 8 months later. However, complete occlusion of the reconnected PA was diagnosed some few months after the surgical repair. This vessel was once again recruited by percutaneous approach and it is still patent and in catch-up growth after 6 months from the second recanalization procedure.

Hybrid approach for disconnected pulmonary arteries: never lose a pulmonary artery again!

Disconnection of a pulmonary artery needs early surgical treatment in order to support the growth of the vessel. However, owing to the high rate of re-stenosis after traditional surgical reconstruction, we developed a hybrid approach involving the creation of pulmonary artery continuity by using autologous or heterologous tissue supported by stent implantation.

Reintervention Burden and Vessel Growth After Surgical Reimplantation of a Pulmonary Artery During Childhood

Children requiring reimplantation of a branch pulmonary artery (PA) are at risk for postoperative stenosis and impaired growth of the reimplanted PA. Outcomes and risk factors for reintervention and impaired growth are incompletely described. We reviewed data on patients who underwent reimplantation of a branch PA between 1/1/99 and 5/1/15 at a single center. The primary outcome was reintervention to treat postoperative stenosis. The secondary outcome was "catch-up" growth (faster diameter growth of the affected PA compared with the unaffected PA from the preoperative to follow-up measurements.). Twenty-six patients were identified with a total follow-up of 102.2 patient-years (median 2.5 years). Diagnoses included LPA sling (n = 12) and isolated PA of ductal origin with (n = 7) or without (n = 7) tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). All had primary repair of the anomalous PA. Seventeen (65%) had reintervention with median time to first reintervention of 69 (range 1-1005) days and median of 1.5 (range 1-6) reinterventions. 94% of reinterventions were transcatheter (53% balloon and 41% stent angioplasty). Patients with reintervention were younger (hazard ratio 0.75 per log-day, p = 0.02) and lower weight (hazard ratio 0.18 per log-kg, p = 0.02) at initial repair. Of the 18 with PA growth data, 8 (44%) had catch-up growth. There were no identified differences between those who did and did not demonstrate catch-up growth. Despite a practice of primary reimplantation and aggressive postoperative reintervention, these results suggest that changes in strategy are needed or that there are intrinsic patient factors that have more influence on longer-term reimplanted PA growth.

Unilateral absent pulmonary artery in an adult - A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Unilateral absent pulmonary artery (UAPA) is a congenital abnormality rarely diagnosed in adults. UAPA has a myriad of clinical presentations and pulmonary hypertension is present in a quarter of all cases. Isolated UAPA commonly affects the right pulmonary artery and occurs as a result of abnormal development of the sixth aortic arch segment. Due to its rarity, it remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. We describe a case of UAPA in an adult presenting with severe pulmonary hypertension. We describe the appropriate diagnostic approach to a patient with pulmonary hypertension and illustrate the importance of a detailed evaluation to determine the underlying aetiology, particularly in rare causes. Furthermore, we review the clinical presentation, diagnosis and management challenges of UAPA in adults.

Stenting and Reimplanting Disconnected Pulmonary Artery in Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot with absent pulmonary valve syndrome (TOF/APV) is a rare congenital malformation. Although pulmonary artery (PA) anomalies have been observed in TOF, its association with disconnected PA is extremely rare. We report successful stenting of the disconnected left PA in a 3-year-old boy with TOF/APV followed by surgical reimplantation. The significance of this transcatheter intervention for guidance during surgery and the importance of visualizing a ductal stump on angiography as an indicator of disconnected PA are discussed.

Discontinuous Pulmonary Artery

We describe the diagnosis and surgical repair of a five-month-old infant with a congenital discontinuous right pulmonary artery. Initial echocardiogram failed to show the right pulmonary artery and revealed systemic left pulmonary artery pressure based on the tricuspid regurgitation jet. Computed tomographic angiography confirmed the diagnosis of discontinuous right pulmonary artery. The right pulmonary artery appeared essentially normal in size, and there were no significant aortopulmonary collateral arteries. Using cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic transection, we created an anastomosis between the right and the main pulmonary arteries augmented anteriorly by a pericardial patch. Postoperative lung perfusion scan demonstrated balanced pulmonary blood flow to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension resolved over three weeks in the postoperative period, an expected outcome in this age-group.

Novel Approach to Construct Absent Intrapericardial Branch Pulmonary Arteries

Unilateral or bilateral absence of branch pulmonary arteries is a rare congenital heart defect. Various reconstructive techniques have been previously described, each with its inherent limitations. We present a novel technique of constructing a branch pulmonary artery that maintains potential for growth.

Management of tetralogy of Fallot with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery: an overview

Tetralogy of Fallot with unilateral absence of pulmonary artery (PA) is a rare congenital anomaly that has been reported in isolated case reports and small case series. There is no well-defined treatment algorithm for these patients, and repair has been associated with high mortality, although survival is improving in the more recent era. Recent reports suggest strict case selection criteria based on PA dimensions and size of the left ventricle.

Repair of congenital heart defects associated with single pulmonary artery

BACKGROUND

Experience with complete repair of congenital heart defects associated with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery is limited. The aim of this retrospective study was to present our surgical experience of this complex category of patients, to analyze immediate results of surgical interventions, and to suggest a rational surgical strategy.

METHODS

Of 37 patients with a single pulmonary artery who underwent complete repair of associated heart defects, the left or right pulmonary artery was absent in 32 and 5, respectively. The most frequent heart defects were tetralogy of Fallot (n = 25) and ventricular septal defect (n = 8). The median age of these patients was 7.1 years. Preoperative examinations included echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography, with quantitative assessment of the single pulmonary artery. In-hospital parameters of surgical outcome were analyzed.

RESULTS

Recorded hospital mortality was 2.7% (1/37). The single death was in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot, agenesis of the left pulmonary artery, and a small diameter of the contralateral pulmonary artery (Nakata index 174 mm(2)·m(-2)). The right-to-left ventricular systolic pressure ratio after complete tetralogy of Fallot repair in patients who survived the operation was 0.58 ± 0.11.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete repair of congenital heart defects in patients with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery is associated with a relatively low risk. If the hilar artery is of adequate size, surgical intervention should attempt restoration of the communication between the disconnected hilar artery and the pulmonary trunk, in addition to repairing the heart defects.

Pulmonary artery resuscitation for isolated ductal origin of a pulmonary artery

OBJECTIVE

Ductal origin of a pulmonary artery (DOPA) is commonly misdiagnosed as agenesis of a pulmonary artery (PA), which may result in inadequate treatment. The objective is to describe the results of resuscitation of unilateral DOPA.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of all patients with unilateral DOPA who underwent PA resuscitation at Texas Children's Hospital from 1993 to 2012. Patients with other cardiac or contralateral lung anomalies were excluded.

RESULTS

Ten patients, median age 2 years (range, 3 days to 9 years), with unilateral DOPA were included. Symptoms were present in 6 patients. Cardiac catheterization was performed in all and showed a patent duct or a ductal stump in most patients and a small PA on wedge angiography of the pulmonary veins. Two patients underwent single-stage centralization. The other 8 underwent ductal stenting (n=2) or a systemic-to-PA shunt (n=6) as the first stage before centralization. The 2 patients with ductal stenting developed pulmonary edema. The 2 patients with a cryopreserved vein shunt developed early thrombosis requiring reintervention. Nine patients have undergone centralization. Six patients have required further interventional procedures. There have been no deaths. Symptoms and lung hypoplasia have improved in all patients. Median relative lung perfusion at follow-up was 26% (range, 12%-46%) with significant improvement in the size of the affected PA.

CONCLUSIONS

PA resuscitation is effective at restoring flow to the affected lung resulting in improved diameter of the PA, lung growth, and resolution of symptoms. PA resuscitation should be considered in all children with DOPA, including those beyond infancy.

Isolated pulmonary artery arising from a duct: a single-center review of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

OBJECTIVE

Isolated pulmonary artery of ductal origin (IPADO) is a rare disease with diverse presentations. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches vary widely given the low incidence. Reporting additional cases may help inform medical decision making.

METHODS

We reviewed diagnostic data--including echocardiography, catheterization, and MRI--and outcomes for all patients with IPADO at our institution.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients who met inclusion criteria were identified. The mean age at diagnosis was 3 months (range, 1 day-45 years). In 11 patients, the duct supplying the IPADO was patent (ie, patent ductus arteriosis [PDA]); the duct had closed (ligamentum) in the other 26 patients. When performed, catheterization delineated the anatomy in 90% (100% if PDA) versus 54% with magnetic resonance imaging. Patients with a PDA were more likely to undergo intervention (100% vs 58%, P=.02) and had earlier first intervention (1 vs 20 months; P<.001). Patients diagnosed at age≤6 months were more likely to undergo intervention (86% vs 50%; P=.03) and unifocalization (81% vs 44%; P=.04), and had greater IPADO flow at follow-up (40% vs 14%; P<.001). Patients who underwent any intervention had greater IPADO flow than those without intervention (38% vs 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Early IPADO diagnosis is important in long-term outcome. However, successful interventions can be performed on older patients. Diagnosis relies on angiography but magnetic resonance imaging may play an increasingly important role. Although initial intervention depends on individual factors, the ultimate goal should be early unifocalization.

Catheter rehabilitation of occluded aberrant pulmonary artery

A 10-year old girl underwent a CT angiogram to investigate right lung hypoplasia. This showed a normal bronchial tree, lung parenchyma and pulmonary venous drainage, but an absent right pulmonary artery. Cardiac catheterization with pulmonary vein wedge injections identified a disconnected hypoplastic right pulmonary artery system supplied by an occluded right-sided ductus arteriosus. Transcatheter recanalization of the ductus re-established right pulmonary artery flow and growth. Ultimately, this allowed for complete surgical repair and restoration of normal perfusion of the right lung, leading to complete functional rehabilitation.

Palliative surgical treatment of congenital heart defects associated with unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery

OBJECTIVES

Experience with the palliative treatment of congenital heart defects (CHDs) associated with unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery (UAPA) is limited. There is a description of 32 interventions in the available literature. The aim of this retrospective study was to present our experience with palliative interventions in patients with cyanotic CHDs associated with UAPA and to suggest a rational surgical strategy.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients were subjected to palliative interventions. All of them had the following cyanotic CHDs with agenesis of the left pulmonary artery: tetralogy of Fallot (n = 26) or double outlet right ventricle (n = 3). Twenty patients were subjected to a single and 9 to multiple staged palliative operations. Patients were grouped according to the type of initial palliation to assess the clinical and haemodynamic results of each surgical intervention: Group 1: systemic-to-pulmonary shunts (n = 13); Group 2: transluminal balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (n = 5); Group 3: palliative reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (n = 11). The median age of patients at the initial palliative intervention was 2.6 years. Twenty-three of 27 discharged patients were followed up for a median period of 3 years.

RESULTS

Hospital mortality in our series reached 7% (2 of 29 patients). Both lethal outcomes occurred after palliative reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract was performed as a sole intervention. The assessment of angiographic parameters has shown that palliative reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract provided more significant and uniform enlargement of the pulmonary artery than systemic-to-pulmonary shunts or transluminal balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty. Fifty-nine percent of patients (17 of 29 patients) were subjected to complete repair of CHDs during the follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Palliative surgical treatment of CHDs associated with UAPA can be performed with a relatively low risk. Systemic-to-pulmonary artery shunt and transluminal balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty are methods of choice in patients with non-severe hypoplasia of the single pulmonary artery. The intravascular intervention is indicated more in patients with a prevailing valvular component of the pulmonary stenosis. Palliative reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract is a more favourable procedure for patients with a severe hypoplasia of the single pulmonary artery.

Clinical manifestations and long-term follow-up in pediatric patients living at altitude with isolated pulmonary artery of ductal origin

This study's aim was to define the clinical manifestations and long-term outcome of pediatric patients living at altitude with isolated pulmonary artery (PA) of ductal origin (IPADO). This was a retrospective cohort study of 17 consecutive cases of IPADO at a single center. All patients lived at modest altitude (median 2050 m [range 1700 m to 3050 m]). Fifteen children (88%) were symptomatic at presentation. High-altitude pulmonary edema was present in 2 patients (12%) at diagnosis, and only 1 patient had episodes of hemoptysis during follow-up. Fourteen patients (82%) demonstrated evidence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Among 14 patients with PAH, 11 patients had surgical interventions. PAH resolved in 5 of 11 patients (45%) undergoing surgical rehabilitation. One patient died during follow-up, and 7 patients are receiving oral vasodilator therapies due to residual PAH; 14 patients remained asymptomatic. Our study showed that early intervention in patients with IPADO at modest altitude can potentially rehabilitate the isolated PA and reverse PAH. Whether surgery is indicated for patients with this disorder in the absence of PAH is unknown.