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Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Three-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method for the Visualization and Assessment of Specific Parameters of the Pulmonary Veins
Published on: October 28, 2020
Multidetector CT evaluation of total anomalous pulmonary venous connections: comparison with echocardiography
Ki Ho Oh1, Ki Seok Choo, Soo Jin Lim
1Department of Radiology, Medical Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Pusan 602-739, Republic of Korea.
Background:
Although echocardiography is the first-line imaging modality in the diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC), multidetector CT (MDCT) could have advantages in the diagnosis of TAPVC in certain cases.
Objective:
To compare MDCT with echocardiography in the evaluation of TAPVC.
Materials And Methods:
Enrolled in the study were 23 patients with surgically proven TAPVC. The echocardiography and MDCT findings were independently interpreted by a paediatric cardiologist and cardiac radiologist in terms of: (1) the drainage site of the common pulmonary vein, (2) stenosis of the vertical vein, and (3) the course of the atypical vessel into the systemic vein in the case of vertical vein stenosis. The findings from both modalities were correlated with the results obtained at surgery (n=22) or autopsy (n=1).
Results:
In all patients, MDCT correctly depicted the drainage site of the common pulmonary vein, stenosis of the vertical vein and the course of the atypical vessel into the systemic vein (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%). The specificity of echocardiography was 100% for the three defined findings. The sensitivity of echocardiography, however, was 87%, 71% and 0%, respectively.
Conclusion:
MDCT can facilitate the diagnosis of TAPVC in certain cases.
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