Pulmonary artery obstruction by idiopathic calcification causing sudden collapse in a neonate

We report a case of a newborn infant that experienced circulatory collapse caused by a calcified lesion occluding the main pulmonary artery (PA). The baby was born via full-term birth at normal birth weight. Cyanosis was noted immediately after birth. Echocardiography revealed a main PA occlusion due to a calcified lesion. Bradycardia and circulatory failure occurred at postnatal day 4 and an urgent surgical resection was successfully performed. Idiopathic calcification causing both PA obstruction and circulatory collapse is rare. Our report indicates that PA calcification can cause hemodynamic instability requiring early surgical intervention.
Source: The Annals of Thoracic Surgery - Category: Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery Source Type: research