Anatomical and Functional Evaluation of Pulmonary Veins in Children by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Pulmonary vein pathologies often present a diagnostic challenge. Among the different imaging modalities used for the evaluation of pulmonary veins, magnetic resonance is the most comprehensive in assessing anatomy and pathophysiology at the same time. Bright blood cine sequences and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography outline the course and connections of the pulmonary veins. Phase-contrast velocity mapping measures flow patterns, velocities, and volumes throughout the pulmonary circulation. This paper reviews contemporary utilization of magnetic resonance in the evaluation of pulmonary venous abnormalities in children, based on our experience over the last 5 years and on that of other investigators. We summarize how magnetic resonance imaging enhances our understanding of pulmonary vein physiology and how it can influence the diagnostic approach to children and adults with a pulmonary venous pathology, and we discuss its limitations.