[Preoperative diagnosis of the thoracic aortic aneurysm by three-dimensional CT angiography].
Serial eight patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms were evaluated by a newly developed three-dimensional CT angiography (3D-CT) from December 1992 to January 1993. The patients include 3 aortic dissections, 3 aortic arch aneurysms, one descending aortic aneurysm and one thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The surgical treatment was performed after the evaluation of 3D-CT, and the operative findings were compared to the three-dimensional images reconstructed by 3D-CT in all patients. Three-dimensional displays were achieved using the unique method of data collection of the helical (spiral) scanner with continuous tube rotation and continuous table feed. A intravenous contrast material was used to image the thoracic aorta and major aortic branches with the single-breath-hold technique. Two and three-dimensional images reconstructed by 3D-CT were displayed within 10-20 minutes after the scanning. These three-dimensional images of the aortic lesions could be displayed in any angle we chose. Three-dimensional structures of the thoracic aorta and major aortic branches were clearly visualized and easily recognized by 3D-CT. These images were similar to the intraoperative findings and were quite useful to determine the operative procedure. The successful repair of thoracic aortic aneurysm was achieved in all cases. 3D-CT is a new and attractive modality to assess the vascular system. Although our experience is limited, 3D-CT may be a useful and powerful diagnostic method for the surgical treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Adachi
H
H
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Omiya Medical Center, Jichi Medical School, Japan.
Ino
T
T
Ide
H
H
Mizuhara
A
A
Yamaguchi
A
A
Kawahito
K
K
Kobayashi
Y
Y
Nagai
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D001027:Aortography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*