right superior pulmonary vein

The right superior pulmonary vein is a pulmonary vein that drains oxygenated blood from the superior and middle lobes of the right lung, delivering it to the left atrium.

It is located in the right thorax, coursing from the right lung hilum to drain into the upper portion of the left atrium, lying anterior to the right pulmonary artery and the right main bronchus.

Its function is to return oxygenated blood from the superior and middle lobes of the right lung to the left atrium, where it enters the systemic circulation.

Pulmonary vein stenosis and atrial fibrillation may be associated with the right superior pulmonary vein, and anomalous pulmonary venous drainage involving this vessel is a recognized congenital variant.

CT angiography, cardiac MRI, and echocardiography are used to evaluate the right superior pulmonary vein, particularly when assessing pulmonary venous anatomy prior to cardiac procedures.