IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Left pulmonary artery sling

Case contributed by James Harvey
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Recurrent episodes of bronchiolitis.

Patient Data

Age: 3 months
Gender: Male
ct

There is aberrant branching of the left pulmonary artery which wraps around the trachea and compresses the carina and proximal left main bronchus (left pulmonary artery sling).  There is no focal stenosis of either the left or right pulmonary artery. 

The left lung appears slightly hyperinflated with respect to the right, suggesting some degree of air trapping from the left main bronchus compression.

Case Discussion

Left pulmonary artery sling is a congenital abnormality where the left pulmonary artery arises from the right main pulmonary artery.

It is associated with a number of other congenital abnormalities include complete tracheal rings, anorectal malformations and renal anomalies. 

Barium swallow classically shows indentation of the anterior wall of the esophagus at the level of the carina. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.