Rupture of pulmonary aneurysms in association with long-standing Waterston shunts

Abstract

AbstractAnastomosis of the ascending aorta to the right pulmonary artery, the so-called Waterston shunt, was undertaken as a palliative procedure for children with cyanotic congenital heart disease due to obstruction of the pulmonary outflow tract with reduced pulmonary blood flow. We present the clinico-pathological correlations in two patients who underwent construction of Waterston shunts as neonates, and subsequently died of ruptured pulmonary aneurysms in adult life. Rupture should, therefore, be recognized as a late complication of this procedure, and be considered in the long-term follow-up of such patients, especially when the shunted lung is hypertensive.