Congenital pulmonary vein stenosis.

Congenital pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare and serious form of congenital heart disease. Between 1969 and 1982 10 patients with this lesion were studied. In 2 patients the condition was diagnosed at autopsy; these patients died before the presence of congenital heart disease was suspected. Of the 8 in whom the condition was diagnosed during life, it was suspected clinically in 6 and found unexpectedly at cardiac catheterization in 2. All underwent operation, and 5 were hospital survivors. In all survivors rapid and progressive restenosis of the pulmonary veins occurred over the next several months. Three of the 5 underwent reoperation, but progressive restenosis recurred and all eventually died of this condition. Thus, despite partial surgical relief of pulmonary vein stenosis, the lesion is apparently one of relentless progression. No surgical repair has been successful in the cure or long-term palliation of this lethal lesion.