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Adult Presentation of Anomalous Pulmonary Artery from the Descending Aorta: A Rare Cause of Exertional Chest Pain
Abstract
Case Presentation: A 20-year-old female presented to the emergency department for evaluation of exertional, right-sided chest pain. The patient underwent a computed tomography angiogram of her chest as part of her workup, demonstrating the right lower-lobe pulmonary artery arising from the abdominal aorta.
Discussion: Anomalous pulmonary arterial supply is exceedingly rare. In adult patients, it is likely to be found incidentally during workup for more common medical conditions. Symptoms may include chest pain, exertional dyspnea, or hemoptysis. The high pressure of systemic blood in a low-pressure pulmonary system can result in right heart strain, pulmonary hypertension, and high-output cardiac failure.