Multiple pulmonary artery aneurysms: Endarteritis of ductus arteriosus and congenital pulmonary cysts

Abstract

A case is described in which multiple mycotic pulmonary artery aneurysms were found in association with vegetative end-arteritis of a widely patent ductus arteriosus; there were concomitant congenital pulmonary cysts. Death resulted from rupture of a peripheral pulmonary arterial branch producing a large hemothorax. In view of the massive penicillin therapy administered to the patient the histopathologic appearance of the vascular and visceral lesions suggests that the infectious element of bacterial endocarditis was eradicable by use of appropriate antiobiotics. An interpretation of the clinicopathologic sequence of events is offered.