Purpose or Case Report: The purpose of this educational presentation is to provide a pictorial review to promote recognition and understanding of the embryology, anatomy and spectrum of congenital pulmonary artery anomalies in children
Methods & Materials: For purposes of organization, and recognizing that there is considerable overlap, pulmonary artery anomalies will be classified according to the following categories: 1. Anomalous origin/development 2. Abnormal caliber 3. Anomalous course 4. Anomalous branches. Illustrative examples will be provided from clinical case material
Results: Entities to be discussed will include transposition of the great arteries and related disorders, pulmonary valve stenosis/atresia, systemic arterial supply to the lungs, origin of one or both pulmonary arteries from a systemic artery, including the ductus arteriosus, unilateral or bilateral hypoplastic, stenotic or atretic pulmonary arteries, left pulmonary artery sling, aneurysmal dilatation of the central pulmonary arteries, anomalous origin of the coronary and subclavian arteries from the pulmonary artery. Imaging findings will be reviewed, with an emphasis on CT/MR appearances and a discussion of important associated conditions and findings. Specific syndromes associated with pulmonary artery anomalies will be highlighted. Since this study is limited to congenital defects, acquired pulmonary artery conditions will not be included.
Conclusions: After reviewing this educational exhibit the reader will have a framework for recognizing and understanding congenital pulmonary artery anomalies in the pediatric age group. They will have reviewed the CT/MR imaging findings as well as the context and important associated findings accompanying these entities.