In this thesis we describe normal and abnormal pulmonary vein development in human and mouse hearts, and focus on the histo(patho)logy of the pulmonary venous and left atrial dorsal wall, in order... Show moreIn this thesis we describe normal and abnormal pulmonary vein development in human and mouse hearts, and focus on the histo(patho)logy of the pulmonary venous and left atrial dorsal wall, in order to elucidate the role of the posterior heart field in the formation and differentiation of the pulmonary venous vessel wall and its possible consequences for the onset of arrhythmias and susceptibility for pulmonary vein stenosis. Another aim of this thesis is that the understanding of normal pulmonary vein development will contribute to the understanding of the development of abnormal pulmonary venous connections and its clinical consequences. Show less
