Individual Pulmonary Vein Atresia in Adults: Report of Two Cases

Abstract

We present two cases of individual pulmonary vein atresia without vestige of an involved pulmonary vein. On CT, we noted the absence or interruption of normal pulmonary venous structures, and the presence of abnormal vascular structures that represented collaterals for the involved lung parenchyma. On angiography, the atretic pulmonary vein was found to drain into the other ipsilateral pulmonary veins through the collaterals.

Isolated unilateral pulmonary vein atresia with hemoptysis in a child

“…On the basis of the extent of involvement and the stage in which the normal development of pulmonary venous drainage is affected, it is divided into 3 categories: common, unilateral, and individual PVA. [ 5 ] Unilateral PVA is a more rare condition, with less than half of patients not accompanying with congenital cardiac anomalies. [ 6 ] Recurrent respiratory tract infections and dyspnea on exertion are the common clinical manifestations.…”

Development of acquired intrapulmonary venous anastomosis contributing to establishment of Fontan circulation

“…The present findings suggest that the existing vascular supply and angiogenesis in the pleura contributed to the anastomoses and collateral vessel formation between PVs. The collateral vessels development after PV obstruction has been reported in several adult patients 4 , 5 . However, there have been no studies demonstrating the mechanism by which collateral vessels form.…”

Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation and Its Vascular Mimickers

“…The individual type involves the lobar or segmental pulmonary vein and has been suggested as a possible cause of an anomalous pulmonary vein ( Figs. 5 , 7 ) [ 30 ]. On CT or pulmonary angiography, venous drainage from the affected lung drains to one of the normal pulmonary veins through various forms of collaterals from multiple fine channels to a dilated tortuous vascular structure ( Fig.…”