Radiological Patterns of Congenital Absence of the Pulmonary Valve in Infants

Abstract

Roentgen findings in 5 infants with absent pulmonary valve leaflets are discussed. The enormous bulging of the main pulmonary artery demonstrated on chest films, as well as the double murmur heard in the second left intercostal space on physical examination, should strongly suggest pulmonary agenesis. The prognosis is more severe if the condition occurs early in life. Death follows rapidly as a result of congestive heart failure or bronchial compression. Surgery is very difficult and has been performed successfully in only a few cases.