absence of the pulmonary artery

Absence of the pulmonary artery is a rare vascular condition where one of the pulmonary arteries, either right or left, is missing from birth. The affected artery usually ends within 2 cm of its expected origin from the pulmonary trunk. This condition is often found alongside other heart or cardiovascular abnormalities, and it is usually detected during infancy or childhood when more symptoms are seen. In cases where the condition happens by itself without other heart issues, the clinical course may be mild. However, isolated cases can still present symptoms such as coughing up blood, difficulty breathing with exertion, and repeated lung infections. Over time, changes in the lung tissue may occur, which can lead to complications like severe coughing up of blood or pulmonary hypertension if the condition goes undiagnosed.

People with this condition may experience symptoms like coughing up blood (hemoptysis), shortness of breath during physical activity (exertional dyspnea), and repeated respiratory infections. In some cases, if the condition is not recognized early, it may lead to serious lung bleeding and high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).

The cause of this condition is congenital, meaning it is present at birth. It develops when one of the pulmonary arteries does not form normally, and it is sometimes seen together with other cardiovascular abnormalities. Specific genetic factors or risk factors were not provided in the source.

Information about treatment is currently limited for this condition.

The outlook for people with absence of the pulmonary artery varies. Those with associated cardiovascular abnormalities may experience more serious symptoms and complications, while isolated cases tend to have a milder clinical course. However, if not recognized, the condition can lead to severe complications such as massive lung bleeding or pulmonary hypertension.

Information about research is currently limited for this condition.