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Pulmonary vein diameter, cross-sectional area, and shape: CT analysis
Yun-Hyeon Kim1, Edith M Marom, James E Herndon
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea.
Radiology
|February 26, 2005
Summary
Normal pulmonary vein dimensions and shapes vary. The left inferior pulmonary vein narrows upon entering the left atrium, requiring careful evaluation for potential stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Anatomy
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Pulmonary veins transport oxygenated blood from the lungs to the left atrium.
- Establishing normal anatomical reference values is crucial for diagnosing conditions like stenosis.
- Computed tomography (CT) is a key imaging modality for visualizing pulmonary vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively determine normal values for pulmonary vein diameter, cross-sectional area, and shape.
- To provide reference data for the four major pulmonary veins using computed tomography (CT).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of contrast-enhanced spiral chest CT scans from 104 patients.
- Measurement of short-axis diameter and cross-sectional area of pulmonary veins at six locations.
- Analysis of vein roundness and comparison between sexes and sides using statistical models.
Main Results:
- Mean pulmonary vein diameters at the ostia ranged from 9.0-13.1 mm.
- Left superior pulmonary vein diameter and area were significantly larger in men than women.
- Pulmonary veins were ovoid, not round, with left-sided veins being less round than right-sided ones.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary vein diameter, cross-sectional area, and shape exhibit significant variability.
- The left inferior pulmonary vein's normal narrowing at the left atrium necessitates careful assessment for stenosis.