Gigantic patent ductus arteriosus--report of a newborn cadaver dissection and review of the literature.

During the gross anatomical dissection of the thoracic region in a newborn, a gigantic patent ductus arteriosus was found. This vessel had a diameter as large as the pulmonary trunk and a longer length. The brachiocephalic a. and the left common carotid a. originated from the aortic arch in close proximity with each other. The descending aorta showed a dilatation at the junction of this large-bored patent ductus arteriosus. We were unable to find any similar case in the published literature. Knowing that the anatomical variations of the great vessels may cause confusion during surgery or evaluation of CT and MRI scans, this rare case with a huge patent ductus arteriosus is presented.