Right pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula: a rare presentation
Minoo N Kavarana1, Eric J Devaney, Maria L Torres
1Division of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery, Section of Cardiac Surgery, The University of Michigan Medical School Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Abstract:
Right pulmonary artery to left atrial fistula is a rare congenital vascular anomaly which usually presents with cyanosis, clubbing, dyspnea, and signs and symptoms of a right to left shunt. Paradoxical embolism to the brain resulting in cerebral abscess formation and death is a rare and ominous complication that has been described. We describe an unusual presentation with abdominal pain resulting from splenic infarction.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Catheterization II: Right Heart Catheterization
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Fetal Circulation
Two umbilical arteries transport blood from the fetus to the placenta. At the placenta, the blood absorbs oxygen and nutrients while simultaneously eliminating waste products. This oxygen-enriched and nutrient-rich blood then returns to the fetus through one...
Overview of Pulmonary Circulation
The process begins with the right ventricle of the heart pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary trunk. This large vessel extends about 5 centimeters before splitting into the left and right pulmonary arteries. These arteries...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction


