Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) Angiography Evaluation of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiovascular malformation in which all four pulmonary veins anomalously drain into the right atrium (RA) either directly or indirectly. There are four main types based on the site of connection. Any type of TAPVC may be associated with obstruction and presents early in the neonatal period with cyanosis, tachycardia, or respiratory distress. We present four cases of all types of TAPVC and its imaging findings in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography. Cardiac CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are very useful in delineating the anatomy and drainage pathway of anomalous pulmonary veins. MDCT angiography is noninvasive and easily available, and rapid image acquisition is possible with high spatial resolution. Since early diagnosis and surgical correction are necessary for the survival of these neonates, rapid image acquisition using MDCT angiography can be preferred over MRI.

Cardiovascular MR imaging findings of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the portal vein in a patient with right atrial isomerism

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) is a rare congenital cardiovascular anomaly in which the pulmonary veins fail to join to the left atrium and drain directly to the right atrium or to one of the systemic veins. This anomaly is frequently seen together with complex cardiac anomalies especially as a part of right atrial isomerism syndrome. Atrial isomerism is called that the same morphological structure of both atria. We reported a very rare case demonstrating TAPVC between the portal vein and the pulmonary veins in a patient with right atrial isomerism by magnetic resonance imaging.