Contrast Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return

Abstract

The diagnosis of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return is usually made by cardiac catheterization. Diagnosis of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return requires analysis of multiple blood samples for demonstration of increase in blood oxygen saturation and contrast venography to identify the anomalous vein. Transesophageal echocardliography can identify partial anomalous pulmonary venous return in some cases, but, in many cases, the absence or inability to demonstrate one or more of the pulmonary veins draining directly into the left atrium only implies the diagnosis. Because this condition may require surgical correction, a more definitive demonstration of the anomalous venous return is often needed. The following case study presents a novel approach to the diagnosis of partial anomalous pulmonary venous return, using transthoracic echocardiography and administration of the contrast agent Optison (Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, St. Louis, MO) directly into the pulmonary artery.