Sixteen-row multislice computed tomography in infants with double aortic arch.
BACKGROUND
The introduction of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in 1998 has led to a considerable boost of CT angiography. Four-row MSCT has been employed in the diagnostic assessment of vascular rings. Sixteen-row MSCT is expected to further increase the diagnostic power of MSCT. We report three cases of double aortic arch diagnosed by a 16-row MSCT, and discuss the possible advantages of this diagnostic tool.


METHODS
From April 1, 2003, to September 1, 2003, three patients underwent 16-row MSCT at our institution to evaluate the possible presence of a vascular ring. All patients presented with stridor and feeding difficulties. MSCT was performed under bland sedation (chloral hydrate 60 mg/kg). ECG gating and breath hold were not employed. Three-dimensional reconstructions were employed to assess the presence of airway compromise as well as of vascular anomalies.


RESULTS
Scanning time averaged 4 s (3.8-4.5 s). Motion artefacts were not relevant. The CT scan showed the existence of a vascular anomaly as well as of a significant tracheal compression in all cases, and was considered conclusively diagnostic by the cardiac surgeons. All three patients underwent uncomplicated corrective surgery without further investigations.


CONCLUSIONS
Sixteen-row MSCT with 3D reconstruction allows a precise evaluation of the airway compromise and a detailed assessment of the anatomy of vascular anomalies. The very short scanning time allows to avoid deep sedation and anaesthesia, and to obtain higher image quality and spatial resolution, with a concomitant reduction of the radiation dose.
Cerillo
Alfredo Giuseppe
AG
Operative Unit of Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, Ospedale "G. Pasquinucci", Institute of Clinical Physiology, The National Research Council, Massa, Italy. cerillo@ifc.cnr.it
Amoretti
Francesca
F
Moschetti
Riccardo
R
Murzi
Bruno
B
Chiappino
Dante
D
D001013:Aorta, Thoracic / Q000002:abnormalities*; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D001027:Aortography / Q000379:methods*; D016477:Artifacts; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007223:Infant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed