Congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia: radiologic findings in three adult patients.

Abstract

The purpose of our study is to describe the radiologic findings of adult patients presenting with congenital unilateral pulmonary vein atresia. Chest radiography in affected patients typically reveals a small hemithorax and ipsilateral pulmonary artery as well as ipsilateral septal thickening. CT shows, in addition, ground-glass attenuation, the absence of a pulmonary vein connection to the left atrium, and abundant mediastinal venous collateral vessels. MR imaging is helpful in further characterizing the vascular abnormalities. Angiography may help to confirm the diagnosis.