Thrombus Formation and Arterial Dissection of the Wall of the Left Pulmonary Artery Caused by an Aneurysm of the Ductus Arteriosus

Introduction

Ductus arteriosus aneurysms (DAAs) occur more often than suspected with a frequency of 0.8 to 8.8 % of all newborns (Walker JC et al. Circulation 2015; 131: 1713 – 1714; Dyamenahalli U et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000; 36: 262 – 269; Sheridan RM et al. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2012; 15: 79 – 85; Ithuralde M et al. Am J Dis Child 1971; 122: 165 – 169; Hornung TS et al. Pediatr Cardiol 1999; 20: 158 – 160; Rauch R et al. Ultraschall in Med 2008; 29: 233 – 234). They normally regress within a few weeks (Walker JC et al. Circulation 2015; 131: 1713 – 1714; Dyamenahalli U et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000; 36: 262 – 269.). In rare instances DAA may be associated with complications such as rupture, thromboembolism and compression of adjacent thoracic structures. In these cases surgical intervention may be necessary (Dyamenahalli U et al. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000; 36: 262 – 269; Ithuralde M et al. Am J Dis Child 1971; 122: 165 – 169; Hornung TS et al. Pediatr Cardiol 1999; 20: 158 – 160).