THE IMPORTANCE OF SELECTIVE ANGIOGRAPHY OF SYSTEMIC ARTERIAL SUPPLY TO THE LUNGS IN PLANNING SURGICAL CORRECTION OF PSEUDOTRUNCUS ARTERIOSUS

Abstract

Selective angiography of large systemic arteries which appear to supply blood to the lungs should be performed in patients with suspected pseudotruncus anteriosus (tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia) in an attempt to accurately define the post-atretic pulmonary artery anatomy. If pulmonary arteries are in fact present, this technique greatly enhances the possibility of visualizing them, thereby establishing the diagnosis of pseudotruncus arteriosus, while ruling out Type IV truncus arteriosus. It will also show whether a confluence of right and left pulmonary arteries exists, whether the peripheral pulmonary branches are adequately developed, and whether they supply blood to all or only parts of both lungs. Surgical correction of this congenital lesion is now considered advisable in many cases and this information is of great importance in proper planning of the operative procedure.