Lung cysts following pulmonary artery operations: diagnostic and therapeutic implications

We describe the case of a child suffering from congenital cyanotic heart disease - double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with transposition of great vessels (TOGV). She underwent a left Blalock-Tausig (BT) shunt at one month of age followed by a Glen procedure with left pulmonary artery augmentation at six months. Following the second procedure she developed extensive cyst formation in the upper lobe of the left lung and pneumothorax. She was managed by intercostal drainage of the pneumothorax. The cysts were observed and on a CT scan X-rays taken at one month and six months no cysts were seen. This case illustrates the occurrence of pneumatoceles after pulmonary artery manipulation, their proclivity for causing pneumothoraces and involution on follow-up. Cysts noted in such a setting should be monitored carefully and followed up to resolution.