Visualization of congenital thoracic vascular anomalies using multi-detector row computed tomography and two- and three-dimensional post-processing

Received 4 August 2006; accepted 4 August 2006.

Abstract

Anomalies of the vascular system are caused by false embryogenesis and are therefore present from birth.

Single-detector row spiral computed tomography angiography (CTA) and multi-detector row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) have gained increasing importance in the non-invasive assessment of vascular pathologies and replace conventional angiography in many cases. High-resolution volumetric datasets that are acquired during a single breath-hold give the possibility of two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D)-post-processing. Due to post-processing, even complex vascular malformations are visualized in an understandable way. Furthermore, CTA, in contrast to conventional angiography, depicts not only the vascular structures but also allows assessment of the surrounding anatomical structures.

We present cases of rare congenital anomalies of the thoracic vessels using MDCT with special respect to 2D- and 3D-post-processing.

Keywords: Congenital thoracic vascular anomalies, Multi-detector row CT, Post-processing

a Department of Medical Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland

b Department of Medical Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Kantonsspital Chur, Switzerland

c Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland

d Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, Switzerland

Corresponding author at: Institut für Radiologie, Kantonsspital St.Gallen, CH-9007 St. Gallen, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 71 494 2182; fax: +41 71 494 6479.

PII: S0720-048X(06)00335-4

doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2006.08.015

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