Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection chest x ray

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Keri Shafer, M.D. [3]; Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [4]; Assistant Editor-In-Chief: Kristin Feeney, B.S. [5]

The findings on chest radiography varies depending on the type of anatomic variant of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). However, the findings are not useful in making the diagnosis.

• Unobstructed:
  • Snowman sign : A large supracardiac shadow due to anomalous pulmonary vein and persistent left superior vena cava can be seen, which together with normal cardiac shadow forms a snowman appearance.
  • Mild dilatation of the pulmonary arteries.
  • Mild cardiomegaly

• Obstructed:
  • Pulmonary vein congestion
  • Dilatation of the pulmonary arteries
  • Pulmonary edema

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