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Published on: December 16, 2022
Pulmonary circulation imaging: embryology and normal anatomy.
Horacio Murillo1, Michael J Cutalo, Robert P Jones
1Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5105, USA. hmurillo@stanford.edu
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR
|November 22, 2012
Summary
This review explores the embryology and imaging of pulmonary circulation, highlighting major vessels. Understanding the developmental origins of pulmonary vasculature is key to identifying congenital anomalies and chest situs.
Area of Science:
- Embryology
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Science
Background:
- The pulmonary circulation and parenchyma share a complex, intertwined embryologic origin.
- Normal imaging anatomy of the pulmonary vasculature is crucial for clinical practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the embryology and normal imaging anatomy of the pulmonary circulation.
- To emphasize the major arterial and venous vasculature.
- To aid in the recognition of anomalies and visceral situs.
Main Methods:
- Review of embryologic development of pulmonary vasculature.
- Analysis of normal imaging anatomy of pulmonary arteries and veins.
- Comparison of adaptive changes in congenital anomalies versus normal anatomy.
Main Results:
- Detailed description of pulmonary circulation embryology.
- Identification of key imaging features of normal pulmonary vasculature.
- Illustration of adaptive vascular and parenchymal changes in congenital anomalies.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pulmonary circulation embryology enhances the diagnosis of congenital anomalies.
- Knowledge of normal anatomy aids in differentiating anomalies and assessing situs.
- Adaptive changes provide insights into the pathophysiology of pulmonary vascular diseases.
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