Pulmonary sling in the adult

Abstract

Although an aberrant left pulmonary artery, usually called a pulmonary sling, is a serious anomaly in neonates and young children, it can be seen initially in adulthood. To date, all adult patients have been without symptoms or associated anomalies. Radiographic findings are somewhat different in adults, although at both ages a soft tissue mass is visible between the esophagus and the distal trachea. In adults, the anomalous left pulmonary artery is more likely seen as a right-sided mediastinal mass on the posteroanterior chest film. A pulmonary sling is apparently a benign and asymptomatic condition in adults.