An analysis of 21 cases of idiopathic dilatation of the pulmonary artery
Zhao, Y.J.; Cheng, X.S.
Zhonghua Nei Ke Za Zhi 31(1): 24-25; 60
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0578-1426 PMID: 1395908 Document Number: 388095
Idiopathic dilatation of the pulmonary artery (IDPA) is a disease which, generally speaking, does not need treatment. But a correct differential diagnosis is of great importance. 21 cases of IDPA were reported. The clinical data showed that 66.67% of the patients were asymptomatic and all the patients had normal respiratory and cardiovascular functions. 10% of the cases had had a history of more than 20 years. The results showed that IDPA was a benign anomaly and most of its symptoms were iatrogenic. It was usually misdiagnosed as pulmonary stenosis (42.86%), atrial septal defect (38.10%), pulmonary hypertension (28.57%), and so on. Careful chest X-ray, ECG and UCG examinations are useful for the differential diagnosis, but a clinical diagnosis should be based on the normal result of right heart catheterization.