Variations in human pulmonary vein ostia morphology -- a systematic
review with meta-analysis
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to establish the most
accurate and up-to-date anatomical knowledge of PVs ostia variations,
diameters and ostial area, in order to provide physicians, especially
heart and thoracic surgeons with exact knowledge concerning this area.
Materials and methods: Major online medical databases such as
PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar were searched
to gather all studies in which the variations, maximal diameter and
ostial area of the PVs were investigated. During the study, the
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
(PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Additionally, The Critical Appraisal
Tool for Anatomical Meta-analysis (CATAM) was used to provide the
highest quality findings. Reults: The most common ostia
variation is classical one, containing left superior pulmonary vein
(LSPV), left inferior pulmonary vein (LIPV), right superior pulmonary
vein (RSPV) and right inferior pulmonary vein (RIPV). Mean diameters and
ostial areas of each pulmonary vein were established in general
population and in multiple variations considering method of gathering
the data and geographical location. Conclusion: Significant
variability in PV ostia is observed. Left-sided PVs have smaller ostia
than corresponding right-sided PVs, and the inferior PVs ostia are
smaller than superior. The size of the LCPV ostium is the largest among
all analyzed veins, while the ostium of RMPV is the smallest. It is
hoped that the results from this meta-analysis will help clinicians in
planning and performing procedures that involve pulmonary and cardiac
area.