Incidental finding on MDCT of patent ductus arteriosus: use of CT and MRI to assess clinical importance.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to describe the imaging features of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) identified on chest MDCT performed for other indications and to describe the additional functional information that cardiac MRI can provide about these lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
The daily use of MDCT studies for the evaluation of pulmonary embolic disease or aortic abnormalities can reveal incidental PDAs. Small incidental PDAs can be identified on chest MDCT angiography timed for either the pulmonary arteries or the aorta. Using multiplanar reformations, one can assess PDA location, caliber, length, and presence of calcifications. The presence of a "positive" or a "negative contrast jet" verifies a patent shunt. Cardiac MRI shows the detailed anatomic and morphologic features of a PDA. Hemodynamic information revealing the presence and severity of a significant shunt is obtainable using velocity-encoded MRI, allowing accurate shunt calculation. Using MDCT and MRI, information regarding the clinical significance of an incidental PDA can influence management decisions. The imaging information was used to determine that one PDA required intervention.
Goitein
Orly
O
Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop St., Rm. 4660 CHP MT, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2582, USA.
Fuhrman
Carl R
CR
Lacomis
Joan M
JM
D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D004374:Ductus Arteriosus, Patent / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004452:Echocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033162:Incidental Findings; D018810:Magnetic Resonance Angiography; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods