pulmonary artery sling
A congenital anomaly in which the left pulmonary artery arises aberrantly from the right pulmonary artery and passes between the trachea and oesophagus, causing tracheal compression.
Full Definition
In pulmonary artery sling, the anomalous left pulmonary artery courses posteriorly from the right pulmonary artery, looping around and compressing the right mainstem bronchus and distal trachea before entering the left hilum. It is frequently associated with complete tracheal rings (rather than the normal horseshoe-shaped cartilage), a combination that significantly worsens airway obstruction. Surgical repair involves reimplantation of the left pulmonary artery. Editors should distinguish this from the broader category of 'vascular ring' and note that 'sling' should not be capitalised unless beginning a sentence.
Usage
Usage note: Often co-occurs with complete tracheal rings; editors should ensure that copy distinguishes the vascular anomaly from the associated airway cartilage anomaly when both are present.
In Context
- "Bronchoscopy revealed complete tracheal rings, and subsequent CT angiography confirmed an associated pulmonary artery sling." — Case series on congenital tracheal anomalies
- "Pulmonary artery sling, a subtype of vascular ring anomaly, requires careful differentiation in surgical planning documents." — Paediatric cardiac surgery operative report