Preoperative assessment of thymoma: evaluation of mediastinal arterial anatomy by cardiac multidetector computed tomography.
We describe the clinical case of a thymoma, surgically removed after diagnosis, staging, and preoperative assessment performed by means of cardiac electrocardiogram-gated multidetector computed tomography. This technique allowed a very accurate assessment of the mass, proving superior to conventional computed tomography thanks to the possibility of identifying the relationships of the mass with the mediastinal structures, including the large vessels and coronary arteries. It also established the origin of the arterial vascularization from a tributary branch of the left internal mammary artery, visualizing the pathway and the relationship of the vessel with the mass and the point where it is penetrated. Finally, we analyzed the anatomy and patency of the coronary arteries, essential data in this patient with a high risk of coronary artery disease.
Andreini
Daniele
D
Institute of Cardiology, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. daniele.andreini@ccfm.it
Pontone
Gianluca
G
Dainese
Luca
L
Formenti
Alberto
A
Mushtaq
Saima
S
Cappai
Antioco
A
Pepi
Mauro
M
Ballerini
Giovanni
G
Biglioli
Paolo
P
D000368:Aged; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008482:Mediastinum / Q000098:blood supply*; D013945:Thymoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013953:Thymus Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*