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Multi–Detector Row and Volume-rendered CT of the Normal and Accessory Flow Pathways of the Thoracic Systemic and Pulmonary Veins¹

¹ From the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 601 N Caroline St, Baltimore, MD 21287. Presented as an education exhibit at the 2001 RSNA scientific assembly. Received January 18, 2002; revision requested March 5 and received April 3; accepted April 8. E.K.F. is cofounder of HipGraphics, Inc. Address correspondence to E.K.F. (e-mail: efishman@jhmi.edu).

Multi–detector row computed tomography (CT) and volume rendering can be used as an interpretive aid to present the systemic and pulmonary venous anatomy of the thorax. Both of these venous systems are routinely imaged in clinical practice and are important in interpretation of diagnostic images in health and disease. Multi–detector row CT and three-dimensional volume rendering provide high-quality near-isotropic data (ie, the longitudinal resolution approximates the in-plane resolution). The data sets allow tailored postprocessing to produce images optimized for these vessels, which are often not fully appreciated at planar axial imaging alone. Venous structures of the thorax that can be demonstrated with multi–detector row CT and volume rendering include the jugular veins; the subclavian and brachiocephalic veins; the internal and lateral thoracic veins; the superior and inferior venae cavae; the coronary sinus, the cardiac and pericardiophrenic veins, and vein grafts; the azygos, hemiazygos, and accessory hemiazygos veins; the intercostal veins; the pulmonary veins; and other thoracic veins.

© RSNA, 2002

Index Terms: Computed tomography (CT), multi–detector row, 94.12917 • Computed tomography (CT), volume rendering, 94.12917 • Pulmonary veins, 945.92 • Thorax, anatomy, 94.92 • Thorax, veins, 94.92

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