Ductal origin of the left pulmonary artery in severe tetralogy of Fallot: problems in management.

Cardiac catheterization in a neonate demonstrated tetralogy of Fallot and absence of anatomic origin of the left pulmonary artery from the main pulmonary artery. A central aortopulmonary shunt was performed in order to increase pulmonary blood flow. Because of the concern that the left pulmonary artery was actually being supplied by a ductus arteriosus, repeat catheterization was performed and this revealed closure of the ductus arteriosus with obliteration of arterial supply to the left pulmonary artery. A left Blalock-Taussig shunt was subsequently performed and this reestablished blood supply to the left pulmonary artery. This case report describes problems in management of congenital heart disease with absence of anatomic origin of the left pulmonary artery from the main pulmonary artery.