[Origin of 1 of the 2 pulmonary arteries from the ascending aorta. Apropos of 2 surgical cases with 1 being associated with tetralogy of Fallot].

In relation with the report of two cases of branching of one of the pulmonary arteries from the aorta, it was recalled that this is a rare malformation, responsible for a severe cardiac failure with or without cyanosis in the first months of life, intensly suggestive of a left-to-right shunt. Demonstration of surprizing or unhabitual clinical or haemodynamic findings should indicate the performance of a right-sided angiography then an aortography, this being the only way to secure the diagnosis. Combination of such an anomaly with Fallot's tetralogy is exceptional. The clinical diagnosis is made more difficult by the presence of an anastomosis between the pulmonary and the systemic circulations. Only a careful analysis of right angiograms might make it possible to suspect the presence of an abnormal branching of the pulmonary artery, and to perform the aortography. The treatment is surgical in all cases, and should be undertaken early in life, as it is the only way to control the heart failure or to prevent irreversible pulmonary arteriolar lesions.