Physiologic studies on infants with Wilson-Mikity syndrome: Ventilation-perfusion abnormalities and cardiac catheterization angiography

Abstract

Abnormalities of ventilation and perfusion were found in infants with the Wilson-Mikity syndrome. Intrapulmonary shunting and maldistribution of ventilation and perfusion were noted. Three patients were subjected to cardiac catheterization and pulmonary hypertension was detected. The increased pulmonary vascular resistance was unresponsive to oxygen, suggesting permanent damage to the pulmonary capillary bed. Angiocardiography showed changes typical of pulmonary hypertension.