The Pulmonary Artery Segment in Normal and in Valvular Pulmonary Stenosis

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Abstract
The length and arrow or the PAS [pulmonary artery segment] of 130 normal cases were measured, respectively. The BSA [body surface area] (m2) ranged between 0.30-2.05 and the ages, between 6 mo. and 40 yr. Cases (73) of VPS [valvular pulmonary stenosis] were divided into 4 groups according to the peak SPRV [right ventricular systolic pressure]: group 1, less than 50 mm Hg; group 2, from 50-75 mm Hg; group 3, from 75-150 mm Hg; and group 4, with more than 150 mm Hg. The length and arrow of the PAS were measured. The age of the patient ranged from 4-38 yr. In normal cases the PAS was a straight line or presented a slight concavity in 30% of the cases. In cases of VPS, all had a slight or marked bulging of the PAS, except 1 in group 1 (6.6%), 2 in group 2 (11%), 3 in group 3 (10%) and 1 in group 4 (8.3%). Marked convexity (more than 10 mm of arrow of this segment) was found 1 time in group 1 (6.6%), 3 times in group 2 (16%), 3 times in group 3 (10%) and twice in group 4 (16%). In normal cases the length and the arrow of the PAS tend to have greater values when the BSA is higher. When the arrow of the segment is above 5 mm and the length higher than 50 mm, irrespective to the patient''s age, an abnormal finding exists. All those diseases capable of giving an abnormal PAS should be considered. The importance of obtaining a proper roentgenogram to assess, with accuracy, the quantitative and qualitative data needed for a correct interpretation of the cardiac silhouette is emphasized.