With the increased use of cross-sectional imaging, systemic venous anomalies are more frequently being recognized in asymptomatic patients. Accurate characterization of systemic venous anomalies plays a major role in the appropriate selection of a surgical approach or interventional procedure.In this article, we review common and uncommon inferior vena cava (IVC) anomalies. We describe the embryological basis and clinical implications of these anomalies, particularly from an interventional radiology perspective. We also discuss the complications and treatments of these anomalies.

Suboptimal enhanced pulmonary arterial CT studies can be salvaged using low-energy VMI generated from the SDCT scanner. There were significant improvements of attenuation, SNR, and CNR at the optimal monoenergetic level.

A fistula is an abnormal vascular connection leading to diversion of blood from a high resistance arterial circuit to low resistance venous circuit. Coronary artery fistulas are abnormal communications of the coronary artery with a chamber of the heart, or with any segment of systemic or pulmonary circulation, bypassing the myocardial capillaries. Other unusual fistulas include connection between aorta and the right atrium/superior vena cava, aorta and the inferior vena cava or between a coronary artery bypass graft and a cardiac vein. Abnormal connections also include origin of the coronary artery from the pulmonary artery. In this article, we review the imaging, particularly computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of unusual fistulas and connections involving the cardiovascular system, particularly the coronary arteries and the aorta. Key words: Coronary; Artery; FistulaCore tip: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are very useful imaging modalities in determining the type and demonstrating the anatomy of these fistulas, which is essential for surgical/interventional planning. Careful analysis in multiple planes and three-dimensional reconstruction is required for comprehensive evaluation of fistulas. Treatment depends on the symptoms and the anatomy.

The pulmonary arteries are affected by a variety of congenital and acquired abnormalities. Multiple state-of-the art imaging modalities are available to evaluate these pulmonary arterial abnormalities, including computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), echocardiography, nuclear medicine imaging and catheter pulmonary angiography. In part one of this two-part series on state-of-the art pulmonary arterial imaging, we review these imaging modalities, focusing particularly on CT and MRI. We also review the utility of these imaging modalities in the evaluation of pulmonary thromboembolism.