Cross-sectional imaging of silent pulmonary venous anomalies.

An overview of the forms of partial anomalous pulmonary venous connections (PAPVC) and a discussion of the role of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing this anomaly are offered. Although angiography remains the most sensitive technique for detection of anomalous pulmonary veins and other cardiac anomalies, the increased use of CT over the past decade has probably resulted in the detection of PAPVC that otherwise might have been missed. In the case of asymptomatic PAPVC, CT may provide positive identification and obviate the need for further studies.