[Abnormal systemic artery originating from descending aorta to normal basal segments of left lung. Report 2 cases]

Two patients with a large abnormal systemic artery originating from the descending aorta several centimeters above the diaphragm to the four basal segments of normal left lower lobe (without cystic change like that found in the bronchopulmonary sequestration) were treated. No pulmonary artery was found to supply the basal segments. The patients suffered from repeated hemoptysis. In one patient the abnormal artery was incidentally found during bronchial arteriography. Lower lobectomy was performed in the two patients. Microscopic examination of specimens revealed some dilated small blood vessels with extremely thin walls and their rupture may be the cause of hemoptysis. Abnormal systemic artery must be suspected if hemoptysis or local murmur during chest examination cannot be explained by other conditions, and care must be taken not to injure the artery in isolating pleural adhesion and pulmonary ligament.