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Pulmonary sling in the adult
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|June 1, 1977
Summary
Pulmonary sling, a rare congenital anomaly, typically affects children but can appear in adults. In adults, this condition is usually asymptomatic and benign, differing from its serious presentation in younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Thoracic Radiology
Background:
- A pulmonary sling is a rare congenital anomaly involving an aberrant left pulmonary artery.
- While often serious in neonates and children, its presentation in adults is less understood.
Observation:
- Adult patients with pulmonary sling are frequently asymptomatic.
- Radiographic findings in adults may differ from those in children.
- A characteristic soft tissue mass is visible between the esophagus and trachea.
Findings:
- In adults, a pulmonary sling often presents as a right-sided mediastinal mass on chest X-rays.
- The condition appears to be benign and asymptomatic in the adult population.
- Unlike in children, associated anomalies are not typically observed in adult cases.
Implications:
- Pulmonary sling should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal masses in adults.
- Recognition of its benign nature in adults can prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.
- Further research may elucidate long-term outcomes and optimal management strategies for adult pulmonary sling cases.