Pictorial review: computed tomography features of cardiovascular emergencies and associated imminent decompensation.
Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner is available in most hospitals and is increasingly being used as the first line imaging in trauma and suspected cardiovascular emergencies, such as acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary artery thrombo-embolism, abdominal aortic aneurysm and acute haemorrhage (Ryan et al. Clin Radiol 60:599-607, 2005). A significant number of these patients are haemodynamically unstable and can rapidly progress into shock and death. Recognition of computed tomography (CT) signs of imminent cardiovascular decompensation will alert the clinical radiologist to the presence of shock. In this review, the imaging findings of cardiovascular emergencies in both acute traumatic and non-traumatic settings with associated signs of imminent decompensation will be described and illustrated.
Peninsula Radiology Academy, Plymouth International Business Park, Plymouth PL6 5WR, UK. tnyao@yahoo.com
Tow Non
TN
Yeow
Vikram Muppalla
VM
Raju
Nanda
N
Venkatanarasimha
Bruce M
BM
Fox
Carl A
CA
Roobottom
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D006801:Humans; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed