Direct communication between the pulmonary artery and the left atrium. A case report and review of the literature.

A case of direct communication between the right pulmonary artery and the left atrium is presented. Twenty-two cases from the literature and our case are analyzed. Complete cure can be obtained by simple ligation, division, or intracardiac repair with cardiopulmonary bypass. This anomaly involves the risk of serious complications such as cerebral abscess and systemic embolization and should be accurately diagnosed and treated by surgery.