Imaging in congenital pulmonary vein anomalies: the role of computed tomography

Pediatr Radiol. 2014 Sep;44(9):1158-68; quiz 1155-7. doi: 10.1007/s00247-014-3044-7. Epub 2014 Aug 21.

Abstract

Pulmonary venous anomalies comprise a wide spectrum of anatomical variations and their clinical presentations may vary from the relatively benign single partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection (PAPVC) to the critical obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). We briefly review the common anomalies encountered, while highlighting the utility that computed tomographic angiography (CTA) provides for this spectrum of extracardiac vascular malformations and connections. CTA has established itself as an invaluable imaging modality in these patients. A detailed knowledge of the CTA imaging findings in pulmonary venous anomalies is crucial to guide clinical decision-making in these patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiography / methods*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pulmonary Veins / abnormalities*
  • Pulmonary Veins / diagnostic imaging*
  • Scimitar Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Vascular Malformations / diagnostic imaging*