Pulmonary Artery Obstruction by Idiopathic Calcification Causing Sudden Collapse in a Neonate

Ann Thorac Surg. 2019 Aug;108(2):e107-e109. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2018.12.033. Epub 2019 Jan 23.

Abstract

We report a case of a newborn infant who experienced circulatory collapse caused by a calcified lesion occluding the main pulmonary artery (PA). The baby was full-term at birth at a normal birth weight. Cyanosis was noted immediately after birth. Echocardiography revealed a main PA occlusion caused by a calcified lesion. Bradycardia and circulatory failure occurred at postnatal day 4, and an urgent surgical resection was successfully performed. Idiopathic calcification causing both PA obstruction and circulatory collapse is rare. Our report indicates that PA calcification can cause hemodynamic instability requiring early surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / complications*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnosis
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / surgery
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pulmonary Artery*
  • Shock / diagnosis
  • Shock / etiology*
  • Shock / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular Calcification / complications*
  • Vascular Calcification / diagnosis
  • Vascular Calcification / surgery
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods*