Post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and PMCT-angiography after transvascular cardiac interventions.
OBJECTIVE
During the last years, Post Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) has become an integral part of the autopsy. PMCT-angiography may augment PMCT. Both exams have proven their value in visualizing complications after heart surgery. Therefore, they should also show complications after transvascular interventions. This assumption initiated our project: to evaluate the possibilities of PMCT and PMCT-angiography after transvascular cardiac interventions.


METHODS
In our archives of characteristic and typical PMCT findings, we searched for observations on preceding transvascular cardiac interventions. Additionally, we reviewed our PMCT-angiographies (N = 140).


RESULTS
After transvascular cardiac interventions, PMCT and PMCT-angiography visualized bleeding, its amount and its origin, cardiac tamponade, free and covered perforations, transvascular implanted valves and their position, catheters and pacemakers with fractures, abnormal loops and bending. Bubbles in the coronary vessels (indicating air embolism) become visible.


CONCLUSIONS
After transvascular cardiac interventions, PMCT and PMCT-angiography show complications and causes of death. They prove a correct interventional approach and also guide autopsy. In isolated cases, they may even replace autopsy.
Beatrice
B
Vogel
Axel
A
Heinemann
Axel
A
Gehl
Iwao
I
Hasegawa
Wilhelm-Wolfgan
WW
Höpker
Chanasom
C
Poodendaen
Antonios
A
Tzikas
Helmut
H
Gulbins
Hermann
H
Reichenspurner
Klaus
K
Püschel
Hermann
H
Vogel
D001344:Autopsy / Q000379:methods; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002423:Cause of Death; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000009:adverse effects; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011180:Postmortem Changes; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods