Pulmonary venous obstructive syndrome

Last revised by David Luong on 12 Jul 2021

Pulmonary vein obstructive syndrome (PVOS) is a form of pulmonary venous stenosis which can occur as a result of pulmonary venous infiltration by a tumor or compression by affected lymph nodes with resultant venous stasis +/- subsequent thrombosis. It can occur to a variable extent.

Terminology

Please note that, although the very similar name, this is a distinct entity from pulmonary veno-occlusive disease (PVOD), which is a chronic fibrotic occlusion of the postcapillary pulmonary vasculature.

Radiographic features

Plain radiograph

Non-specific but may show varying degrees of limited regional or global pulmonary edema. Pleural effusions may also be present.

CT

Tend to show pulmonary vein thrombus +/- tumor within and surrounding the pulmonary veins 1.

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