title: Multiplanar and three-dimensional multi-detector row CT of thoracic vessels and airways in the pediatric population.
abstract: Multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) has changed the approach to imaging of thoracic anatomy and disease in the pediatric population. At the author's institution, multi-detector row CT with multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction has become an important examination in the evaluation of systemic and pulmonary vasculature and the tracheobronchial tree. In some clinical situations, multi-detector row CT with reformatted images is obviating conventional angiography, which is associated with higher radiation doses and longer sedation times. Although multi-detector row CT with multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction is expanding the applications of CT of the thorax, its role as a diagnostic tool still needs to be better defined. The purposes of this article are to describe how to perform multi-detector row CT with multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction in young patients, to discuss various reconstruction techniques available, and to discuss applications in the evaluation of vascular and airways diseases.
authors.affiliation: Edward Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 S Kingshighway Blvd, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. siegelm@mir.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Marilyn J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Siegel
mesh_terms: D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000002:abnormalities; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001998:Bronchopulmonary Sequestration / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013909:Thorax / Q000098:blood supply*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*