# Unilateral Pulmonary Artery Agenesis in an Adult: A Case Report and Review of Literature

**Authors:** Madhuranjan J., Arun Karthick R.

PMC · DOI: 10.1155/crra/1565940 · Case Reports in Radiology · 2026-03-02

## TL;DR

A 55-year-old woman with a rare condition called unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis was diagnosed and treated with oxygen and vasodilators.

## Contribution

This case highlights the importance of CT pulmonary angiography in diagnosing rare congenital anomalies in adults.

## Key findings

- CT pulmonary angiography revealed complete absence of the right pulmonary artery.
- The patient showed clinical improvement with oxygen and vasodilator therapy.
- UPAA can present in adulthood with pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale.

## Abstract

Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis (UPAA) is a rare congenital anomaly that may remain undiagnosed until adulthood, when patients present with exertional dyspnoea, recurrent respiratory infections, hemoptysis, or pulmonary hypertension.

A 55‐year‐old female presented with exertional dyspnoea and hypoxemia. Clinical evaluation and echocardiography revealed pulmonary arterial hypertension, cor pulmonale with preserved left ventricular systolic function.

Chest radiography demonstrated cardiomegaly with prominent but otherwise normal hilar shadows. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography revealed complete absence of the right pulmonary artery, with the right lung supplied by extensive systemic collaterals. Diffuse mosaic attenuation was noted, reflecting chronic hypoperfusion.

The patient was managed conservatively with oxygen therapy and pulmonary vasodilator therapy, including ambrisentan and tadalafil, resulting in clinical stabilization.

Unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis is a rare but important cause of pulmonary hypertension and cor pulmonale in adults. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography plays a pivotal role in diagnosis by accurately delineating vascular anatomy and collateral circulation, enabling appropriate management and prevention of complications.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** ambrisentan (PubChem CID 197712), tadalafil (PubChem CID 110635)
- **Diseases:** pulmonary hypertension (MONDO:0005149), cor pulmonale (MONDO:0001493), unilateral pulmonary artery agenesis (MONDO:0020007)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** thrombus (MESH:D013927), pulmonary arterial hypertension (MESH:D000081029), bronchiectasis (MESH:D001987), congestion (MESH:D002311), infections (MESH:D007239), vascular remodelling (MESH:D066253), patent ductus arteriosus (MESH:D004374), UAPA (MESH:D000071079), septal defects (MESH:D006343), Hypoplastic (MESH:D000741), cardiomegaly (MESH:D006332), Chronic thromboembolic disease (MESH:D013923), cardiac anomalies (MESH:D006331), cardiovascular anomalies (MESH:D018376), truncus arteriosus (MESH:D014339), PH (MESH:D006976), hypoplasia (MESH:D000080344), atrial septal defect (MESH:D006344), pulmonary infections (MESH:D012141), fibrosis (MESH:D005355), volume loss (MESH:D016388), congenital anomaly (MESH:D000013), breathlessness (MESH:D004417), atresia of the remaining artery (MESH:D000071298), coarctation of the aorta (MESH:D001017), hypoplastic lung (MESH:D008171), dilatation of the right atrium and (MESH:C566255), ventricle (MESH:D002551), Hemoptysis (MESH:D006469), tetralogy of Fallot (MESH:D013771), cor pulmonale (MESH:D011660), pulmonary embolism (MESH:D011655), ventricular septal defect (MESH:D006345), Pulmonary artery agenesis (MESH:C562992), hypoxemia (MESH:D000860)
- **Chemicals:** tadalafil (MESH:D000068581), oxygen (MESH:D010100), Iohexol (MESH:D007472), ambrisentan (MESH:C467894)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

9 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12951536/full.md

## References

18 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12951536/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12951536