Association of pulmonary artery agenesis and hypoplasia of the lung

Abstract

Pulmonary artery agenesis and hypoplasia of the homolateral lung occasionally occurs as an isolated lesion, but more often has associated congenital cardiac anomalies. We present a case where pulmonary artery agenesis was the sole lesion in an asymptomatic child. Pulmonary artery agenesis should be suspected in asymptomatic patients if a plain chest X-ray shows asymmetric lung fields, lung hypoplasia, or hyperinflation of the contralateral lung. Echocardiography is the best tool to establish the diagnosis. In our opinion, invasive procedures, such as cardiac catheterization, may be postponed if there is no echocardiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension.