Role of Multidetector Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Congenital Thoracic Vascular Anomalies

Abstract

Introduction & purpose: Congenital vascular anomalies of the thorax represent an important group of entities that can occur either in isolation or in association with different forms of congenital heart diseases. CT scan is a non invasive & rapid technique used for evaluation of the pediatric vascular disease as an alternative to conventional angiography. Purpose: To assess the role of MDCT scan in evaluation and its ability to diagnose congenital thoracic vascular anomalies as well as to recognize these anomalies early for proper treatment and post operative follow up. Subjective & Methods: The studied group included 80 patients, who underwent MDCT angiography and had diagnosed of congenital thoracic vascular anomalies, post operative follow up or asymptomatic (incidentally discovered) were included in this study. Results: CT angiography can diagnosis about 13% (n=6) of cases not seen very well by echocardiography (inconclusive) and 26% (n=12) of cases appear as different findings by CT scan than echocardiography. Three dimensions (3D) images allow excellent display of vascular anomalies that can be used as a vascular road map by surgeons. Conclusion: MDCT provides reliable diagnostic information on the normal anatomy of the aorta, pulmonary & vena cava as well as congenital anomalies in pediatric and adult patients. MPR and 3D VR images have increased the diagnostic value of CT. Furthermore, coronal and sagittal views of the vessels facilitate the orientation of a surgeon, and thus aid in planning surgery.