1. This subcostal four-chamber view demonstrates how the pulmonary veins join at the confluence (pulmonary venous confluence, PVC) before draining anomalously into the systemic venous system and then the right atrium (RA).
This subcostal four-chamber view demonstrates how the pulmonary veins join at the confluence (pulmonary venous confluence, PVC) before draining anomalously into the systemic venous system and then the right atrium (RA). The RA, therefore, receives the entire systemic and pulmonary venous drainage and is consequently dilated. Blood flows down its pressure gradient from the RA, across the patent foramen ovale (PFO), and into the left atrium (LA). Whenever a right to left flow across the atrial septum is observed it is vital that the location of the pulmonary venous drainage is confirmed.
A J Jones et al. Arch Dis Child Educ Pract Ed doi: /archdischild
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