Persistent fetal circulation: an evolving clinical and radiographic concept of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn

Pediatr Radiol. 1977 Sep 1;6(2):74-80. doi: 10.1007/BF00973526.

Abstract

The roentgenographic presentations of 11 newborn infants with hypoxemia secondary to pulmonary vasospasm and subsequent right-to-left shunting of blood through the foramen ovale and/or ductus arteriosus (persistent fetal circulation) are described (P. F. C. Syndrome). One infant had radiographically normal lungs, while ten had pulmonary parenchymal abnormalities including hyaline membrane disease [4], meconium aspiration syndrome [4], or an ill defined pattern of retained lung fluid [2]. The roentgenographic appearance of the lungs, however, was discordant with the severe hypoxemia observed in most. Heart size was variable but some degree of cardiomegaly was commonly present. Tolazoline, a potent vasodilator, was useful diagnostically and may have resulted in increased survival. An expanded clinical and roentgeonographic concept of the PFC syndrome is suggested.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaline Membrane Disease / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / congenital*
  • Hypertension, Pulmonary / diagnostic imaging
  • Hypoxia / congenital
  • Hypoxia / diagnostic imaging
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Meconium
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / congenital
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Syndrome
  • Truncus Arteriosus, Persistent / diagnostic imaging*