title: The role of multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography in imaging complications post-cardiac surgery.
abstract: There have been numerous advances in the field of cardiac imaging. The advent of multidetector computed tomography coronary angiography (MDCT-CA) and in particular electrocardiographic (ECG)-gated acquisition has revolutionized the investigation of the complete spectrum of complications of common cardiothoracic surgical procedures. Generic complications, such as mediastinitis, pericardial effusion, sternal osteomyelitis, and mediastinal fibrosis, are discussed with illustrative examples of multiplanar and volume-rendered three-dimensional reconstructions. Graft-related complications of both coronary artery bypass grafts and aortic root grafts are reviewed. The role of MDCT-CA in the investigation of prosthetic valve endocarditis and root abscesses is outlined. We present a complete illustration of the detailed images that are obtained when investigating a full range of graft-related complications from both aortic and coronary surgery using ECG-gated MDCT-CA. MDCT-CA has the potential to become established as the optimal technique with which to image a multitude of complications post-cardiac surgery.
authors: Peninsula Radiology Academy, Plymouth, UK.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Bhatnagar
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Vardhanabhuti
authors: R R
authors: RR
authors: Nensey
authors: H S
authors: HS
authors: Sidhu
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Morgan-Hughes
authors: C A
authors: CA
authors: Roobottom
mesh_terms: D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003287:Contrast Media; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis; D006801:Humans; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media