VISIBLE PULSATION IN RELATION TO BLOOD FLOW AND PRESSURE IN THE PULMONARY ARTERY

Abstract

The relief of many cases of cyanotic congenital heart disease by a systemic-pulmonary anastomosis (Blalock and Taussig, 1945) has emphasized the importance of a diminished blood flow to the lungs. The light lung fields and the small pulmonary arteries are most important signs of this. In contrast, the dense lung fields with increased vascular markings and with visible pulsation in the pulmonary arteries and their'branches, well known as characteristic of atrial septal defect, suggest an increased blood flow to the lungs.