Impact of Age-Related Change in Caval Flow Ratio on Hepatic Flow Distribution in the Fontan Circulation.

BACKGROUND: The Fontan operation is a palliative technique for patients born with single ventricle heart disease. The superior vena cava (SVC), inferior vena cava (IVC), and hepatic veins are connected to the pulmonary arteries in a total cavopulmonary connection by an extracardiac conduit or a lateral tunnel connection. A balanced hepatic flow distribution (HFD) to both lungs is essential to prevent pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and cyanosis. HFD is highly dependent on the local hemodynamics. The effect of age-related changes in caval inflows on HFD was evaluated using cardiac magnetic resonance data and patient-specific computational fluid dynamics modeling. METHODS: SVC and IVC flow from 414 patients with Fontan were collected to establish a relationship between SVC:IVC flow ratio and age. Computational fluid dynamics modeling was performed in 60 (30 extracardiac and 30 lateral tunnel) patient models to quantify the HFD that corresponded to patient ages of 3, 8, and 15 years, respectively. RESULTS: SVC:IVC flow ratio inverted at ≈8 years of age, indicating a clear shift to lower body flow predominance. Our data showed that variation of HFD in response to age-related changes in caval inflows (SVC:IVC, 2, 1, and 0.5 corresponded to ages, 3, 8, and 15+, respectively) was not significant for extracardiac but statistically significant for lateral tunnel cohorts. For all 3 caval inflow ratios, a positive correlation existed between the IVC flow distribution to both the lungs and the HFD. However, as the SVC:IVC ratio changed from 2 to 0.5 (age, 3-15+) years, the correlation's strength decreased from 0.87 to 0.64, due to potential flow perturbation as IVC flow momentum increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis provided quantitative insights into the impact of the changing caval inflows on Fontan's long-term HFD, highlighting the importance of SVC:IVC variations over time on Fontan's long-term hemodynamics. These findings broaden our understanding of Fontan hemodynamics and patient outcomes.

Value of multiplanar reconstruction in multi-slice computed tomography for the detection of foreign body in the pulmonary artery: a case report.

Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) is the primary method for the detection and visualization of foreign bodies in the pulmonary artery because it provides high sensitivity and accuracy. It is very difficult to diagnose a patient with a non-iatrogenic pulmonary artery foreign body who does not have a history of a penetrating trauma. This case report describes a 36-year-old male that presented with coughing and haemoptysis. Based on conventional coronal and cross-sectional CT, the foreign body was misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis and pulmonary artery thrombosis. During treatment of the bronchial artery embolization and anti-tuberculosis therapy, the patient continued to experience haemoptysis. After further analysis of the pulmonary artery CT angiography images and curved multiplane reconstruction, an approximately 6-cm long toothpick was identified in the pulmonary artery with an unclear entry route. After surgery to remove the toothpick, symptoms of coughing and haemoptysis were resolved. This current case demonstrated that multiplane reconstruction in MSCT can improve the detection and visualization of pulmonary artery foreign bodies, which can aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary artery diseases of unknown cause.

Morphometric aspects of remodeling of the arterial bed of the testicles in post- resection portal and pulmonary hypertensions.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To perform a morphometric analysis of the features of vascular remodeling of the arterial bed of the testicles in post-resection portal and pulmonary hypertension. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: The testes of 54 white rats were studied, which were divided into groups: 1st included 16 intact animals, 2nd - 20 rats with pulmonary hypertension, 3rd - 18 individuals with post-resection portal hypertension. Postresection pulmonary hypertension was modeled by right-sided pulmonectomy. Postresection portal hypertension was simulated by removing 58.1 % of the liver parenchyma. RESULTS: Results: The outer diameter of the small-caliber arteries of the left testicle increased by 3.4% (p<0.05) in post-resection arterial pulmonary hypertension, and by 2.9% in post-resection portal hypertension. The inner diameter of the small-caliber arteries of the left testicle decreased by 7.7% (p<0.001) in pulmonary heart disease, and by 6.5% (p<0.01) in post-resection portal hypertension. The Kernogan index decreased by 23.0% (p<0.001), the Vogenvoort index increased by 1.26 times. In case of post-resection portal hypertension, the Kernogan index decreased by 19.0% (p<0.001) and the Wogenvoort's index increased by 1.19 times. The relative volume of damaged endotheliocytes in the small-caliber arteries of the left testis increased 20.6 times (p<0.001) in pulmonary heart disease, and increased 16.3 times (p<0.001) in post-resection portal hypertension. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Portal and pulmonary hypertension lead to pronounced remodeling of the arterial bed of the testicles, which is characterized by thickening of the arterial wall, narrowing of their lumen, significant changes in Wogenvoort and Kernogan indexes, atrophy, dystrophy, and necrobiosis of endotheliocytes.

[Pulmonary artery stenting in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension: a report of 2 cases].

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a pulmonary vascular disease characterized by an insidious onset, progressive deterioration, and poor prognosis. It is distinguished by the thrombotic organization within the pulmonary arteries, leading to vascular stenosis or occlusion. This results in a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure, ultimately leading to right heart failure. In recent years, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has emerged as an effective treatment option for patients ineligible for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). However, the use of stents in patients with suboptimal balloon dilation remains controversial. This article describes two cases of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in which balloon angioplasty yielded unsatisfactory results, subsequently leading to stent placement. Following stent implantation, there was improved blood flow, significant reduction in pulmonary arterial pressure, and notable alleviation of patient symptoms. One-year follow-up showed no recurrence of stenosis within the stent, suggesting potential guidance for the use of pulmonary artery stenting as a treatment modality for CTEPH. This report provided new insights into the therapeutic approach for CTEPH.

The chief culprit of intractable hypoxemia: a case report of rare pulmonary arteriovenous fistula complicated with giant hemangioma.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, which can lead to the direct return of unoxidized venous blood to pulmonary veins and left heart, resulting in right-to-left shunt leading to hypoxia. Long term, the right-to-left shunt will cause severe pathophysiological changes in the patient's body and pulmonary circulation, and the prognosis will be poor if PAVF is not treated timely. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we report the case of a 71-year-old man who presented with chest tightness and shortness of breath. After a series of examinations, PAVF and giant hemangioma were diagnosed, which are difficult to operate.Transcatheter interventional therapy was initiated. The patient recovered on the third day after operation and was discharged smoothly. During the long-term follow-up of nearly 4 years after discharge, the general condition and quality of life of the patient basically returned to normal. CONCLUSIONS: PAVF is rare but very important clinical problem. When the clinical manifestations of persistent unexplained hypoxia appear, it is necessary to fully consider the possibility of PAVF. Once the diagnosis of PAVF is clear, timely treatment is recommended to avoid deterioration of the disease and affecting the prognosis.

A rare case of a neonate with fallot-type absent pulmonary valve and occlusion of the left main bronchus.

Fallot-type absent pulmonary valve is a rare and complex congenital heart disease. Repair surgery for this condition during the neonatal period has a mortality rate of over 50%. We reported a neonate with Fallot-type absent pulmonary valve and occlusion of the left main bronchus. The patient's pulmonary artery had unusual anatomy of a type that has not previously been reported. This case report outlines a successful treatment strategy for patients with complex congenital heart disease and airway occlusion during the neonatal period and the effect of these unusual anatomical conditions on postoperative outcomes.

Bidirectional glenn surgery without palliative pulmonary artery banding in univentricular heart with unrestricted pulmonary flow. Retrospective multicenter experience.

BACKGROUND: Although pulmonary artery banding (PAB) has been generally acknowledged as an initial palliative treatment for patients having single ventricle (SV) physiology and unrestrictive pulmonary blood flow (UPBF), it may result in unfavorable outcomes. Performing bidirectional Glenn (BDG) surgery without initial PAB in some selected cases may avoid the complications associated with PAB and reduce the number of operative procedures for these patients. This research aimed to assess the outcome of BDG surgery performed directly without doing initial PAB in patients with SV-UPBF. METHODS: This Multicenter retrospective cohort includes all patients with SV-UPBF who had BDG surgery. Patients were separated into two groups. Patients in Group 1 included patients who survived till they received BDG (20 Patients) after initial PAB (28 patients), whereas patients in Group 2 got direct BDG surgery without first performing PAB (16 patients). Cardiac catheterization was done for all patients before BDG surgery. Patients with indexed pulmonary vascular resistance (PVRi) ≥ 5 WU.m2 at baseline or > 3 WU.m2 after vasoreactivity testing were excluded. RESULTS: Compared with patients who had direct BDG surgery, PAB patients had a higher cumulative mortality rate (32% vs. 0%, P = 0.016), with eight deaths after PAB and one mortality after BDG. There were no statistically significant differences between the patient groups who underwent BDG surgery regarding pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary artery pressure, postoperative usage of sildenafil or nitric oxide, intensive care unit stay, or hospital stay after BDG surgery. However, the cumulative durations in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital were more prolonged in patients with BDG after PAB (P = 0.003, P = 0.001respectively). CONCLUSION: Direct BDG surgery without the first PAB is related to improved survival and shorter hospital stays in some selected SV-UPBF patients.

Longitudinal analysis of systemic ventricular function and atrioventricular valve function after the Norwood procedure.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate longitudinal systemic ventricular function and atrioventricular valve regurgitation in patients after the neonatal Norwood procedure. METHODS: Serial postoperative echocardiographic images before Fontan completion were assessed in neonates who underwent the Norwood procedure between 2001 and 2020. Ventricular function and atrioventricular valve regurgitation were compared between patients with modified Blalock-Taussig shunt and right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit. RESULTS: A total of 335 patients were identified including 273 hypoplastic left heart syndrome and 62 of its variants. Median age at Norwood was 8 (7-12) days. Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt was performed in 171 patients and the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in 164 patients. Longitudinal ventricular function and atrioventricular valve regurgitation were evaluated using a total of 4352 echocardiograms. After the Norwood procedure, ventricular function was initially worse (1-30 days) but thereafter better (30 days to stage II) in the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit group (P < 0.001). After stage II, the ventricular function was inferior in the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery conduit group (P < 0.001). Atrioventricular valve regurgitation between the Norwood procedure and stage II was more frequent in the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt group (P < 0.001). After stage II, there was no significant difference in atrioventricular valve regurgitation between the groups (P = 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of shunt type on haemodynamics after the Norwood procedure seems to vary according to the stage of palliation. After the Norwood, the modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is associated with poorer ventricular function and worse atrioventricular valve regurgitation compared to right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit. Whereas, after stage II, modified Blalock-Taussig shunt is associated with better ventricular function and comparable atrioventricular valve regurgitation, compared to the right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit.

Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and balloon pulmonary angioplasty - Where are we in 2024?

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) is the first-line treatment for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). However, some patients with CTEPH are considered inoperable, and in the last decade, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) has emerged as a viable therapeutic option for these patients with prohibitive surgical risk or recurrent pulmonary hypertension following PEA. Numerous international centers have increased their procedural volume of BPA and have reported improvements in pulmonary hemodynamics, patient functional class and right ventricular function. Randomized controlled trials have also demonstrated similar findings. Recent refinements in procedural technique, increased operator experience and advancements in procedural technology have facilitated marked reduction in the risk of complications following BPA. Current guidelines recommend BPA for patients with inoperable CTEPH and persistent pulmonary hypertension following PEA. The pulmonary arterial endothelium plays a vital role in the pathophysiologic development and progression of CTEPH.

The adaptability of the Pulsta valve to the diverse main pulmonary artery shape of native right ventricular outflow tract disease.

BACKGROUND: Pulsta valve is increasingly used for percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) in patients with a large native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). This study aims to elucidate the outcomes of Pulsta valve implantation within the native RVOT and assess its adaptability to various native main pulmonary artery (PA) anatomies. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study included 182 patients with moderate to severe pulmonary regurgitation in the native RVOT who underwent PPVI with Pulsta valves® between February 2016 and August 2023 at five Korean and Taiwanese tertiary referral centers. RESULTS: Pulsta valve implantation was successful in 179 out of 182 patients (98.4%) with an average age of 26.7 ± 11.0 years. The median follow-up duration was 29 months. Baseline assessments revealed enlarged right ventricle (RV) volume (mean indexed RV end-diastolic volume: 163.1 (interquartile range, IQR: 152.0-180.3 mL/m²), which significantly decreased to 123.6(IQR: 106.6-137.5 mL/m2  after 1 year. The main PA types were classified as pyramidal (3.8%), straight (38.5%), reverse pyramidal (13.2%), convex (26.4%), and concave (18.1%) shapes. Pulsta valve placement was adapted, with distal main PA for pyramidal shapes and proximal or mid-PA for reverse pyramidal shapes. Two patients experienced Pulsta valve embolization to RV, requiring surgical removal, and one patient encountered valve migration to the distal main PA, necessitating surgical fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Customized valve insertion sites are pivotal in self-expandable PPVI considering diverse native RVOT shape. The rather soft and compact structure of the Pulsta valve has characteristics to are adaptable to diverse native RVOT geometries.

Morphometrics predicts the differential regurgitant fraction in bilateral pulmonary arteries of patients with repaired tetralogy of fallot.

In patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF), the regurgitant fraction (RF) in left pulmonary artery (LPA) and right pulmonary artery (RPA) is usually unequal. The morphometrics may play a crucial role in this RF discrepancy. Cardiovascular MR of 79 rTOF patients and 20 healthy controls were retrospectively enrolled. Forty-four from the 79 patients were matched in age, sex and body surface area to the 20 controls and were investigated for: (1) phase-contrast flow of main pulmonary artery (MPA), LPA, and RPA; (2) vascular angles: the angles between the thoracic anterior-posterior line (TAPL) with MPA (θM-AP), MPA with RPA (θM-R), and MPA with LPA (θM-L); (3) cardiac angle, the angle between TAPL and the interventricular septum; (4) area ratio of bilateral lung and hemithorax regions. Compared with the 20 controls, the 44 rTOF patients exhibited wider θM-AP, sharper θM-L angle, and a smaller θM-L/θM-R ratio. In the 79 rTOF patients, LPA showed lower forward, backward, and net flow, and greater RF as compared with RPA. Multivariate analysis showed that the RF of LPA was negatively associated with the θM-L/θM-R ratio and the age at surgery (R2 = 0.255). Conversely, the RF of RPA was negatively associated with the left lung/left hemithorax area ratio and cross-sectional area (CSA) of LPA, and positively associated with CSA of RPA and MPA (R2 = 0.366). In rTOF patients, the RF of LPA is more severe than that of RPA, which may be related to the vascular morphometrics. Different morphometric parameters are independently associated with the RF of LPA or RPA, which may offer potential insights for surgical strategies.

Early and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Ductal Stenting Versus Surgical Aortopulmonary Shunt Among Young Infants with Duct-Dependent Pulmonary Circulation.

Surgical aortopulmonary shunting (SAPS) and ductal stenting (DS) are the main palliations in infants with cyanotic congenital heart diseases (CHD). We aimed to study the safety and efficacy of DS and to compare it with SAPS as a palliative procedure in infants with CHD and duct-dependent pulmonary circulation. Retrospective institutional clinical data review of consecutive infants aged < 3 months who underwent DS or SAPS over 5 years. The primary outcome was procedural success which was defined as event-free survival (mortality, need for re-intervention, procedural failure) at 30 days post-procedure. The secondary outcome was defined by a composite of death, major adverse cardiovascular events, or need for re-intervention at 6 months and on long-term follow-up. We included 102 infants (DS, n = 53 and SAPS, n = 49). The median age at DS and SAPS was 4 days (IQR 2.0-8.5) and 8 days (IQR 4.0-39.0), respectively. The median weight at intervention was 3.0 kg (IQR 3.0-3.0) and 3.0 kg (IQR 2.5-3.0) in the two respective arms. Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia was the most common indication for DS and SAPS. The 30-day mortality was significantly higher in SAPS group as compared with DS group (p < 0.05). However, 30-day major adverse cardiac events (MACE) rates were similar in both groups (p = 0.29). DS was associated with shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of stay in the intensive care and hospital stay than with SAPS. At 6 months, there was no significant difference in terms of mortality or event-free survival. Long-term MACE-free survival was also comparable (p = 0.13). DS is an effective and safer alternative to SAPS in infants with duct-dependent pulmonary circulation, offering reduced procedure-related mortality and morbidity than SAPS. Careful study of ductal anatomy is crucial to procedural success. However, long-term outcomes are similar in both procedures.

Impact of preoperative left pulmonary artery stenting on the Fontan procedure: a retrospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: Left pulmonary artery (LPA) or bifurcation stenoses at Fontan palliation can be very challenging to treat and may also require cardioplegia and aortic transection. Moreover, the low pressure of Fontan circulation and the bulkiness of the aorta increase the risk of a patch angioplasty collapse. Pre-Fontan LPA stenting of stenotic LPAs overcomes those drawbacks therefore the present study aimed to evaluate its advantageous impact on Fontan surgery. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective analysis was performed on 304 consecutive Fontan patients. The study population was divided into 2 groups (LPA stented, n = 62 vs not stented, n = 242); pre-and postoperative data were compared. RESULTS: LPA-stented patients had a higher prevalence of systemic right ventricle (P = 0.01), hypoplastic left heart syndrome (P = 0.042), complex neonatal palliations (Norwood/Damus-Kaye-Stansel) and surgical LPA patch repair at Glenn (P < 0.001). No differences were found in cross-clamp rates, early (P = 0.29) and late survival (94.6% vs 98.4, P = 0.2) or complications (P = 0.14). Complex palliations on ascending aorta/aortic arch (P = 0.013) and surgical LPA repair at Glenn (P < 0.001) proved to be risk factors for LPA stenting before Fontan at multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The LPA-stented group showed similar outcomes in terms of survival and complications rate compared to patients without LPA stenosis; however, they significantly differ in their higher preoperative risk profile and in their more complex anatomy. Complex neonatal palliations involving ascending aorta or aortic arch may increase the risk of pulmonary branches stenosis requiring stenting; therefore, preoperative stenting of LPA stenoses could help to reduce the surgical risk of complex Fontan procedure by avoiding the need for cross-clamp or complex mediastinal dissections to perform a high-risk surgical repair.

Interposition of right internal iliac artery free-graft for left coronary artery reimplantation in adults with anomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery: case series and long-term results.

Anomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is an infrequent congenital anomaly. Presentation of this syndrome is rare in adults. Nevertheless, adult patients are at risk of ischaemia, arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death and always require surgical intervention. At our institution, a specific technique of interposition of the right internal iliac artery as a free-graft for left coronary artery reimplantation was used in adult ALCAPA patients. The aim of this report is to determine long-term results and experiences with this surgical technique.

Simple and secure thrombectomy without circulatory arrest for acute pulmonary embolism.

BACKGROUND: Surgical pulmonary artery thrombectomy is a well-established emergency treatment for massive pulmonary embolism (PE) in which fibrinolysis or thrombolysis are not effective. However, surgery for massive PE that requires peripheral pulmonary artery thrombus removal remains challenging. We established a simple and secure pulmonary artery thrombectomy method using cardiopulmonary bypass and cardiac arrest. In this procedure, the surgical assistant arm, typically used for coronary artery bypass grafting, is used to obtain a feasible working space during thrombectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present seven consecutive massive PE cases that were treated with the present surgical method and successfully weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure can be used to prevent right ventricular failure after surgery as surgeons can remove the peripheral thrombus with clear vision up to the second branch of the pulmonary artery.

Bioptome-assisted blunt dissection facilitates endovascular retrieval of a chronically embolized stent.

We present a 19-year-old female with history of d-transposition of the great arteries status post-arterial switch operation.

Postoperative catheter thrombaspiration to open an occluded right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit in child.

We report on a 6-year-old girl (18 kg/120 cm) who was diagnosed on day 6 postoperative with an occlusive thrombosis of a right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit in the setting of a Ross procedure that was performed for severe native aortic valve insufficiency secondary to late diagnosis of bacterial endocarditis. We applied the Indigo® aspiration system from Penumbra® (Alameda, USA) to mechanically dissolve and remove the thrombus, restore flow, gradually wean from extracorporeal support, and replace the conduit after 4 days. The patient experiences good surgical outcomes at 3 months of follow-up.

Comparison of imaging changes in pulmonary artery diameter at the occlusion site using silk or metal clamps for pulmonary artery troubles.

OBJECTIVES: We analysed our clinical experience using silk sutures [the double-loop technique (DLT)] or DeBakey type vascular clamp (DeBakey clamp) for pulmonary artery (PA) troubles during anatomical lung resection to validate its practicality and safety. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent either of the above clamping techniques during anatomical lung resection at our hospital between April 2007 and August 2022. We measured the PA diameter at the occlusion site on computed tomography images acquired within 1 year pre- and postoperatively. The difference between pre- and postoperative diameters of the occlusion sites was calculated as the change in the PA diameter. We zoned the occlusion site of the PA to adjust for variation. PA deformation was evaluated as an adverse event caused by clamping. RESULTS: Ultimately, 27 and 26 patients who underwent the DLT and DeBakey clamp, respectively, were included. No additional injury due to the clamp procedure was found in either group. For zone R1/L1, defined as the main PA, the median changes in the PA diameter were 0.02 (-0.7 to 0.27) mm for the DLT and 0.36 (-0.28 to 0.89) mm for the DeBakey clamp. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups (P = 0.106). Furthermore, no aneurysms, dissections, or stenoses were found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The DLT and DeBakey clamp had only minimal effects on the occlusion site of the PA. The DLT is a practical thoracoscopic technique for PA bleeding when primary haemostasis has been achieved.

Clinical characteristics and course of pulmonary artery stump thrombosis following lung cancer surgery: A retrospective study from tertiary care hospital.

The data regarding pulmonary artery stump thrombosis (PAST) after lung cancer surgery are insufficient. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of PAST. We retrospectively investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of PAST among patients who underwent lung resection for lung cancer at 2 institutions. We compared the clinical parameters between PAST and pulmonary embolism (PE) and examined the clinical course of patients with PAST. Of the 1885 patients, PAST was found in 36 patients (1.9%). Right lower lobectomy (n = 13) and middle-lower bilobectomy (n = 9) were the most common types of surgery. The median time interval from lung resection to the detection of PAST was 3.8 months. Immobilization and a history of cerebrovascular disease were not observed in the PAST group. Most of the patients with PAST (91.7%) were diagnosed incidentally, whereas many patients with PE (75.9%) were symptomatic at the time of diagnosis. During the follow-up, one patient (2.8%) had contralateral PE complications. However, no patients in the PAST group experienced pulmonary thromboembolism-related in-hospital death or adverse outcomes. There was no difference in the prognosis of patients with PAST according to the administration of anticoagulation. PAST was rarely detected in lung cancer patients on follow-up chest computed tomography after lung resection. Patients with PAST were asymptomatic in most cases and had relatively favorable clinical outcomes. However, these patients are at risk of contralateral PE, despite its rarity.