Persistent Fetal Circulation: an Evolving Clinical and Radiographic Concept of Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn

Overview

Journal Pediatr Radiol

Specialty Pediatrics

Date 1977 Sep 1

PMID 896354

Authors

D F Merten

B W Goetzman

R P Wennberg

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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.

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