The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 21, 114-122, Copyright © 1976 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Communication between the pulmonary and systemic circulations
RJ Thurer
Communications between the pulmonary and systemic circulation occur
normally and also in association with a number of pathological entities. On
the basis of recent experience I believe that this phenomenon occurs more
frequently than has previously been appreciated and may assume significant
clinical importance in many cases. This report reviews the spectrum of the
phenomenon of systemic-pulmonary vascular connection, particularly with
regard to its occurrence and recognition in the adult age group. A number
of illustrative cases are reported and the pertinent literature is
reviewed.