Anomalous pulmonary venous return is usually diagnosed shortly after birth via advanced cardiac imaging or cardiac catheterization. Adults with undiagnosed PAPVR will usually undergo imaging tests.
Cardiac CT uses X-ray images taken from numerous angles to create a 3D view of your heart. Using cardiac CT, doctors can evaluate the heart valves’ structure and locate blockages that prevent the valves from opening or closing correctly.
Cardiac MRI uses magnets to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and show blood flow and heart valve function. Using cardiac MRI, your physician can diagnose heart valve disease by evaluating leaky or narrowed valves.
This type of test records activity of the heart using high-frequency sound waves, or ultrasound. A technologist called a sonographer conducts this test by applying gel to your chest that makes it easier for sound waves to reach your heart. The sonographer will then wave a device called a transducer across your chest to send sound waves to your heart. The echo created by those waves is translated into images of your heart as it beats.
