The first experience with the high-resolution multi-slice CT-angiography in pediatric cardiology in Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES

The high-resolution multi-slice computed tomography angiography (HRMS-CTA) is a new imaging method characterized by a precise isotropic imaging of any cardiovascular system structure. The purpose of this study was to review the first experience with the high-resolution multi-slice HRMS-CTA in pediatric patients with congenital heart defects as well as with acquired cardiac diseases in the Slovak Republic.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed benefits of HRMS-CTA and its influence on the subsequent choice of the most appropriate management in 20 patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and multiple aortopulmonary collaterals (PA, VSD, MAPCAs) and in 15 patients with different diagnoses with expected benefit from HRMS-CTA in terms of an exact delineation of extra-cardiac vascular structures.

RESULTS

The delineation of the examined extra-cardiac structures was very detailed and clear in all 35 patients. All findings definitely contributed to the choice of the most appropriate management not only in PA, VSD, MAPCAs patients (20), but also in 15 patients with different diagnoses.

CONCLUSIONS

HRMS-CTA is a new complementary imaging method with the potential to replace invasive catheterization procedures in large number of patients who need extra-cardiac vascular structure imaging (Fig. 1, Ref. 18). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.