Publication

Technical principles of computed tomography in patients with congenital heart disease

Journal Paper/Review - Apr 3, 2011

Units
PubMed
Doi

Citation
Stinn B, Stolzmann P, Fornaro J, Hibbeln D, Alkadhi H, Wildermuth S, Leschka S. Technical principles of computed tomography in patients with congenital heart disease. Insights Imaging 2011; 2:349-356.
Type
Journal Paper/Review (English)
Journal
Insights Imaging 2011; 2
Publication Date
Apr 3, 2011
Issn Electronic
1869-4101
Pages
349-356
Brief description/objective

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography are often the primary imaging techniques for many patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). However, with modern generations of CT systems and recent advances in temporal and spatial resolution, cardiac CT has been gaining an increasing reputation in the field of cardiac imaging and in the evaluation of patients with congenital heart disease. The CT imaging protocol depends on the suspected cardiac defect, the type of previous surgical repair, and the patient's age and level of cooperation. Various strategies are available for reducing radiation exposure, which is of utmost importance particularly in paediatric patients. A sequential segmental analysis is a commonly used approach to analysing congenital heart defects. Familiarity of the performing radiologist with dedicated CT protocols, the complex anatomy, morphology and terminology of CHD, as well as with the surgical procedures used to correct congenital abnormalities is a prerequisite for correct diagnosis.