Progressive pulmonary hypertension in cyanotic congenital heart disease with severe pulmonary stenosis

Abstract

We report the progressive development of pulmonary hypertension despite the presence of severe pulmonary stenosis in three patients with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The associated intracardiac lesions were complete transposition with a ventricular septal defect, double outlet right ventricle, and a heart with univentricular atrioventricular connection, respectively. Serial measurements on hemodynamics andhistological findings documented the progression of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary vascular diseases. The underlying etiology remains speculative. In view of the possibility of development of pulmonary hypertension despite a 'protected' pulmonary vasculature, corrective surgery should be contemplated as soon as technically feasible. © World Publishers Incorporated.