title: Visualization of congenital thoracic vascular anomalies using multi-detector row computed tomography and two- and three-dimensional post-processing.
abstract: Anomalies of the vascular system are caused by false embryogenesis and are therefore present from birth. Single-detector row spiral computed tomography angiography (CTA) and multi-detector row computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) have gained increasing importance in the non-invasive assessment of vascular pathologies and replace conventional angiography in many cases. High-resolution volumetric datasets that are acquired during a single breath-hold give the possibility of two- (2D) and three-dimensional (3D)-post-processing. Due to post-processing, even complex vascular malformations are visualized in an understandable way. Furthermore, CTA, in contrast to conventional angiography, depicts not only the vascular structures but also allows assessment of the surrounding anatomical structures. We present cases of rare congenital anomalies of the thoracic vessels using MDCT with special respect to 2D- and 3D-post-processing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Radiology, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schertler
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wildermuth
authors.forename: Ninoslav
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Teodorovic
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: Borut
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marincek
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Boehm
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D001165:Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013895:Thoracic Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*