The right pulmonary artery and left atrium direct communication is a rare anomaly. There are no more than 40 cases reported worldwide. Clinical presentation is variable, and patients can exhibit cyanosis, respiratory distress or heart failure. However, diagnosis can be easily made by image tests. Surgical treatment offers total healing with a few complications and mortality. Clinical follow-up without surgery can lead to remarkable complications such as brain abscess. Two cases on direct communication between right pulmonary artery and left atrium are reported. The embryogenic theories and anatomic varieties of this congenital abnormality will be discussed.
Cardiac surgical procedures; Heart atrium; Pulmonary artery