Misalignment of lung vessels: a syndrome causing persistent neonatal pulmonary hypertension

Abstract

The cases of two female infants with persistent neonatal pulmonary hypertension are described. Combinations of pulmonary parenchymal lesions were present, including underdevelopment of alveoli and interstitial fibrosis as well as misalignment of lung vessels. As a result of the misalignment, the pulmonary veins joined the pulmonary arteries, rather than following a course away from them. One of the infants had additional congenital malformations. This syndrome should be considered in the evaluation of infants with persistent fetal circulation.