Right pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula in a neonate: case report and review of the literature

World J Pediatr Congenit Heart Surg. 2014 Apr;5(2):306-10. doi: 10.1177/2150135113508562.

Abstract

A communication between the right pulmonary artery (RPA) and the left atrium is a rare congenital anomaly that presents with cyanosis and heart failure. We describe the surgical repair of an RPA to left atrial fistula using cardiopulmonary bypass in a neonate. Advanced imaging (computed tomography scan) guided the surgical approach. Although previous reports have associated a patent ductus arteriosus with high neonatal mortality, in our case, the ductus arteriosus was actually important for maintaining enough total pulmonary blood flow.

Keywords: atrium; fistula; neonate; pulmonary arteries.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiopulmonary Bypass
  • Fistula / surgery*
  • Heart Atria / abnormalities*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Ligation
  • Male
  • Pulmonary Artery / abnormalities*
  • Pulmonary Circulation
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Fistula / surgery*