Preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap reconstruction with multislice-CT angiography: imaging findings and initial experience.
BACKGROUND
Autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is one of the best options after mastectomy. Reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEAP) flaps requires a precise location and preoperative evaluation of perforating vessels. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the usefulness of multislice-CT (MSCT) angiography for preoperative planning in patients undergoing DIEAP flap reconstruction.


METHODS
Six consecutive women were considered for breast reconstruction with DIEAP flaps after previous mastectomy for breast cancer. Preoperative MSCT angiography was performed to localise the arterial perforators. Axial images, multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) and 3D volume-rendered images were analysed. Findings were correlated with surgery. Initial experience and imaging findings will be described.


RESULTS
Accurate identification of the main perforators was achieved in all six patients with a very satisfactory concordance between MSCT angiography and surgical findings. No unreported vessels were found. Location, course, anatomical variations and relations of the superficial inferior epigastric artery were reported. The very small perforators, were equally evaluated and described.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative evaluation of perforator arteries with MSCT angiography is feasible in patients undergoing breast reconstruction. This technique provides a noninvasive global approach of the vascular anatomy and the entire anterior abdominal wall. However, more patients need to be evaluated in order to clarify the potential aspects pointed in this report.
Alonso-Burgos
A
A
Department of Radiology, Clínica Universitaria, Universidad de Navarra, Avda. Pío XII 36, 31008 Pamplona, Spain. alonso@unav.es
García-Tutor
E
E
Bastarrika
G
G
Cano
D
D
Martínez-Cuesta
A
A
Pina
L J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D001940:Breast / Q000098:blood supply; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D019074:Epigastric Arteries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016462:Mammaplasty / Q000379:methods*; D008327:Mammography / Q000379:methods; D008408:Mastectomy; D008875:Middle Aged; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000098:blood supply; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome