Clinical Relevance of Computed Tomography Pulmonary Venography

Abstract

Background: In clinical routine, the pulmonary contrast-enhanced chest computer tomography (CT) is usually focussed on the pulmonary arteries. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to raise the clinicians' awareness for the clinical relevance of CT pulmonary venography.

Case presentation: A pictorial case series illustrates the clinical consequences of different pulmonary venous pathologies on systemic, pulmonary and bronchial circulation.

Conclusion: Computed tomography pulmonary venography must be considered before atrial septal defect (ASD) closure and pulmonary lobectomy. Computed tomography pulmonary venography should be considered for patients with right ventricular overload and pulmonary hypertension, as well as for patients with unclear recurrent pulmonary infections, progressive dyspnoea, pleural effusions, haemoptysis, and for patients with respiratory distress after lung-transplantation.

Keywords: CT pulmonary venography; Pulmonary circulation; Pulmonary veins.