The imaging diagnosis of congenital aberrant left pulmonary artery / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To strengthen the understanding of the imaging features in congenital aberrant left pulmonary artery (CALPA). Methods All 4 patients underwent chest film and Doppler echocardiography. Thres cases were examined by enhanced spiral CT examination. In addition, MRI and DSA were performed in 2 cases respectively. Thres cases were proven by surgery or autopsy. Results (1) appearances on chest films included cardiomegaly, pulmonary overvascularity, left hilum a little lower than the right one, emphysema, atelectasis, and pneumonia. (2) bronchography showed stenosis of trachea and/or bronchia. (3) Barium esophagram showed an imprint on the left anterior wall of esophagus. (4) Contrast-enhanced spiral CT and MRI showed marked dilatation of main pulmonary artery (MPA) and the root of MPA extended backward to become right pulmonary artery (RPA), the left pulmonary artery (LPA) arose from the RPA directly. (5) echocardiography indicated LPA arose from RPA. (6) DSA showed MPA was marked dilated, and LPA arose from RPA. (7) other abnormalities included 3 PDA, 2 PLSVC, and ~1 ASD. Conclusion CT and MRI are the best methods to diagnose CALPA.