Isolated left pulmonary artery stenosis due to extrinsic compression by intra thoracic tumor: recognition of unusual Doppler flow pattern and correlation with computed tomography

Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2007 Aug;23(4):507-10. doi: 10.1007/s10554-006-9167-7. Epub 2006 Nov 4.

Abstract

Pulmonary artery compression in adults resulting from tumors is an uncommon condition often associated with poor prognosis. Among the imaging modalities used for diagnosis, the role of trans thoracic echocardiography in identifying secondary pulmonic stenosis due to extrinsic or intrinsic compression and more importantly the physiologic significance has been increasingly recognized. We describe here a case of isolated left pulmonary artery stenosis which was initially suspected based on classic echocardiographic features of obstruction of pulmonary artery and subsequently confirmed by CT imaging. This case illustrates the versatility of trans thoracic echocardiography in diagnosing incidental abnormalities with potential significant consequences.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications*
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma / physiopathology
  • Adult
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / etiology
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / physiopathology
  • Constriction, Pathologic
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Artery / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Artery / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Circulation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color*
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Pulsed*