Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Sharma R, Jones J, et al. Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 01 Jul 2024) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-31973
Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia is a type of pulmonary vein atresia.
The condition usually present in infancy or childhood with recurrent episodes of pneumonia and/or haemoptysis. Presentation in adulthood does occur but is uncommon.
It results from failure of incorporation of the common pulmonary vein into the left atrium. There is no recognised right or left predilection.
Plain radiograph
Chest radiographic findings are not specific but may be seen as a small ipsilateral hemithorax and unilateral reticular opacities with septal lines.
CT
Allows direct visualisation of absence of affected pulmonary vein. CT may additionally show:
- small ipsilateral hemithorax
- ipsilateral mediastinal shift
- small ipsilateral pulmonary artery
Other parenchymal findings (although each on its own is non-specific) include 1:
Nuclear medicine
Shows decreased perfusion to affected lung.
Treatment and prognosis
Pneumonectomy is sometimes indicated once symptoms or complications are present.
Complications
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