Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps: CT appearance

Abstract

Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps (ICBP) used in the setting of cardiogenic shock or high risk cardiac surgery, have been identified on chest films in the inflated state during diastole (1). We report characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings of an inflated ICBP, discuss its radiographically identified complications, and suggest that the presence of this device should be excluded before suspecting other etiologies for intra-aortic gas.