[Unilateral aplasia and hypoplasia of pulmonary artery in childhood (author's transl)].

In the light of 8 observations, made by the authors, vasoanomalies underlying the syndrome of the unilateral hyperlucent lung are discussed in their correlation to homolateral bronchial lesions. There were 3 cases with unilateral aplasia of the pulmonary artery in which the unilateral hyperlucency was found always on the healthy side. In these cases there was a normal bronchogram on both sides. The vascularization by the bronchial arteries causes characteristic changes both in the X-ray-picture and endoscopy. Hypoplasia of the pulmonary artery occurring simultaneously with hyperlucency of the affected side of the lung was found in five cases, 4 times in connection with homolateral, severe, diffuse deforming bronchitis and bronchiectases and 1 case with congenital bronchus stenosis. There is the opinion that besides a congenital form of the hypoplasia of the pulmonary artery a (virus?) --pneumonia, acquired in early childhood, can lead to a pulmonary hypoplasia and a bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The diagnosis can be made only after several special examinations performed in a multi-step system. The significance of the lung scintigraphy within the scope of this complex diagnostics is especially emphasized. Indication for surgery should be made very cautiously. Antibiotic long-term therapy and dsipensary care are considered to be essential.