Hemoptysis caused by the unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery: a noteworthy diagnosis

Abstract

Unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery is a rare congenital abnormality. The diagnosis is complicated because it remains asymptomatic or exists with non-specific symptoms, unless the abnormality is associated with other cardiac malformations. Hemoptysis is rarely the initial symptom of the malformation, especially in the pediatric population. Computed tomography angiography is the gold standard to confirm the diagnosis. There is no consensus on how the pathology should be managed or treated.

We report a rare clinical case with an initial atypical symptom and review the literature.