Study of Anatomical Variations of Number of Pulmonary Veins and its Clinical Significance

Abstract

Introduction:The pulmonary veins play an important role in the pulmonary circulation by receiving oxygenated blood from the Lungs and delivering it to the left atrium. Pulmonary vein anatomy piqued curiosity of researchers off late after the discovery of its role in genesis of atrial arrhythmias and increased incidence of pulmonary hypertension in COPD. The congenital variations in number of pulmonary veins and their drainage patterns, encompass a wide spectrum of anomalies and are not uncommon in general population. The aim of the study was to observe the variations in the number of pulmonary veins and pulmonary ostia. Material and Methods:The present study was done on 25 formalin fixed hearts aged 18-70 years, obtained from the department of anatomy, Sri Padmavathi Medical college for women, Tirupathi. These hearts were observed for the number of pulmonary veins, their drainage into left atrium, variations in pulmonary ostia on right and left sides and were compared with previous studies. Results:Out of the 25 specimens studied, 23 hearts (92%) had normal pattern of four pulmonary veins, two from each lung extending to the left atrium and opening into it via two separate pulmonary ostia, on either side. In 2 (8%) out of 25 specimens, variations in the number of pulmonary veins and the pulmonary ostia were observed. Conclusion:The awareness of the variant anatomy of pulmonary veins and their drainage is of paramount importance to Radiologists, Electrophysiologist and Cardio thoracic surgeons while performing surgical procedures on Heart.