THE SIZE OF THE RIGHT PULMONARY ARTERY IN THE NORMAL SUBJECT AND IN CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

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Abstract
Linear regression equation lines, to predict normal values by correlating the end-systolic cross-sectional area of the right pulmonary artery (RPA) with the body surface area (BSA) (m2), were obtained in 32 normal cases. The diameter of this vessel was expressed in millimeters as well. One hundred and fifty-four cases of congenital heart disease were studied. Thirty-nine per cent of ventricular septal defect and 42% of atrial ventricular defect cases had values above normal. Most of the cases with very high pulmonary resistance and high pulmonary blood flow presented enlargement of this vessel. Eighty-eight per cent of tetralogy of Fallot and 83.4% of pulmonary stenosis cases presented values below normal. Seventy-five per cent of cases of trlcuspid atresia and 83% of cases of stenosis of the right pulmonary artery presented values above normal. In the diagnostic congenital heart disease group the linear regression equation lines of the right pulmonary artery were compared with those of the main pulmonary artery. The values of the linear regression equation lines of the main pulmonary artery were always higher than those of the right pulmonary artery. When the cases were considered individually, in the vast majority the size of the right pulmonary artery appeared to be related to the size of the main pulmonary artery, although there were some exceptions. The only way to determine with certainty the size of the right pulmonary artery in these diseases is by angiocardiography.