Non invasive cardiac vein mapping: Role of multislice CT coronary angiography

Purpose

Coronary venous anatomy is of primary importance when implanting a cardiac resynchronization therapy device, besides, the coronary sinus can be differently enlarged depending on chronic heart failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of Coronary CTA in describing the coronary venous tree and in particular the coronary sinus and detecting main venous system variants.

Materials and methods

301 consecutive patients (196 ♂, mean age 63.74 years) studied for coronary artery disease with 64 slice Coronary CTA were retrospectively examined. The acquisition protocol was the standard acquisition one used for coronary artery evaluation but the cardiac venous system were visualized. The cardiac venous system was depicted using 3D, MPR, cMPR and MIP post-processing reconstructions on an off-line workstation. For each patient image quality, presence and caliber of the coronary sinus (CS), great cardiac vein (GCV), middle vein (MV), anterior interventricular vein (AIV), lateral cardiac vein (LCV), posterior cardiac vein (PCV), small cardiac vein (SCV) and presence of variant of the normal anatomy were examined and recorded.

Results

CS, GCV, MV and AIV were visualized in 100% of the cases. The LCV was visualized in 255/301 (84%) patients, the PCV in 248/301 (83%) patients and the SCV in 69/301 (23%) patients. Mean diameter of the CS was 8.7 mm in 276/301 (91.7%) patients without chronic heart failure and 9.93 mm in 25/301 (8.3%) patients with chronic heart failure.

Conclusions

Coronary CTA allows non invasive mapping of the cardiac venous system and may represent a useful presurgical tool for biventricular pacemaker devices implantation.     

用64层CT血管成像探讨冠状静脉系统的解剖特征

目的 研究64层螺旋CT在冠状静脉系统成像中的价值及冠状静脉窦(CS)及其属支的CT影像特征.方法 利用64层螺旋CT进行300例受检者的冠状静脉成像,观测CS及其属支的形态、数目、直径、角度及相邻冠状动脉的伴行关系.以年龄、性别及有无冠心病作为可能的影响因素对各冠状静脉主要分支的直径进行析因设计的方差分析.结果 所有受检者均可见CS、心大静脉(GCV)及心中静脉(MCV),273例受检者(91.0%)可见1～3支PVLV,心小静脉(SCV)及左房斜静脉分别显示56例(18.7%)、24例(8.0%).3例显示永存左上腔静脉畸形引流,1例显示CS憩室.后降支(PDA)与MCV伴行189例(63.0%),相交96例(32.0%).左旋支(LCX)与CS伴行122例(40.7%),与MCV相交15例(5.0%),LCX与PVLV相交104例(34.7%).CS口(CSO)、MCV、PVLV 3项指标,不存在年龄、性别及有无冠心病之间的交互作用,不同年龄、性别或有无冠状动脉疾患组的CSO前后径、MCV及PVLV值差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).男性与女性的CSO上下径差异有统计学意义(F=6.67,P＜0.05).结论 冠状静脉系统解剖变异较大,64层螺旋CT可以作为显示CS及其属支的无创检查方法,可为心脏电生理治疗提供有用信息.     

Imaging of the Coronary Venous System: Validation of Three-Dimensional Rotational Venous Angiography Against Dual-Source Computed Tomography

Information on the anatomy of the cardiac venous system (CVS) is increasingly important for cardiac resynchronization therapy or percutaneous transvenous mitral valve annuloplasty. Three-dimensional (3D) imaging can further improve the understanding of the relationship of cardiac structures. This study was performed to validate the accuracy of rotational coronary sinus angiography (CSA) displaying the 3D anatomy of the CVS compared to ECG-gated, contrast-enhanced, cardiac dual-source computed tomography (DSCT). Five domestic pigs (60 kg) underwent DSCT using a standardized examination protocol. Using a standard C-arm for fluoroscopy, a rotational CSA was obtained and 3D-image reconstructions performed. Side branches were identified using both methods and enumerated. Vessel visibility was estimated for each side branch and great cardiac vein/anterior interventricular vein. Also, vessel diameters were measured at distinct landmarks, i.e., side branching. The amount of contrast medium was determined and the effective radiation exposure of both methods was calculated. There was no significant difference regarding the vessel diameter of the great cardiac vein/anterior interventricular vein or its side branches. Also, estimation of vessel visibility was not different between the two imaging modalities. Estimated radiation exposure and amount of contrast medium were lower for rotational CSA. In conclusion, a 3D reconstruction of rotational CSA images is possible. All parts of the CVS are well depicted, allowing a 3D overview of the CVS anatomy. On-site 3D visualization might improve decision making during cardiac interventions. In contrast to DSCT, rotational CSA does not demonstrate the anatomy of the mitral annulus or the course of the left circumflex artery. Conflict of Interest Statement: C. Knackstedt has received honoraria from Siemens.     

Congenital and acquired anomalies of the portal venous system.

Knowledge of the normal anatomy, most frequent variants, and congenital and acquired anomalies of the portal venous system is of great importance for liver surgery and interventional procedures such as creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts. Radiologic studies of the portal venous system include color Doppler ultrasonography (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging, and arterial or direct portography. Among the most common branching variants of the portal vein are trifurcation, right anterior portal branch arising from the left portal vein, and right posterior portal branch arising from the main portal vein. Agenesis of the right or left portal vein is the most frequently reported congenital anomaly. Venous collateral vessels due to portal hypertension and cavernous transformation of the portal vein are best evaluated with cross-sectional imaging. Intrahepatic portosystemic, arterioportal, and arteriosystemic fistulas and associated perfusion anomalies have characteristic features at dual-phase helical CT. Color Doppler US is the single most useful tool for demonstration of aneurysms of the portal venous system and bland or neoplastic portal vein thrombosis. CT is also the best means of evaluating gas in the portal venous system, which is no longer an ominous sign and must be differentiated from aerobilia.     

Detection,visualization and evaluation of anomalous coronary anatomy on 16-slice multidetector-row CT

Early identification and evaluation of relatively frequent anomalous coronary anatomy is quite relevant because of the occurrence of sudden cardiac death or related symptoms of myocardial ischemia. Selective coronary angiography (CAG) is invasive, expensive and cannot always provide the required information adequately. Recently, non-invasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) have been shown to provide a good anatomical view of the coronary artery tree. This study aims to demonstrate the value of 16-MDCT for evaluation of anomalous coronary anatomy. In 13 patients scanned using 16-MDCT, six different coronary anomalies were diagnosed [two absent left main, one single vessel left coronary artery (LCA), three LCA originating from the right (two with interarterial course), six right coronary artery originating from the left, one double left anterior descending (LAD)]. Mean diagnostic quality, recorded by two observers using a 5-point scale (1= non-diagnostic to 5= excellent diagnostic quality), resulted in a mean score of 3.73 (SD 1.19) without any non-diagnostic result. MDCT offers an accurate diagnostic modality to visualize the origin and course of anomalous coronary arteries by a three-dimensional display of anatomy. Shortcomings in CAG can be overcome by the use of contrast-enhanced MDCT.     

Situs inversus with congenital absence of left circumflex artery and a superdominant left-sided right coronary artery: A case report

Situs inversus with a coronary artery defect is an extremely rare congenital anomaly, which is often only incidentally detected during cardiac imaging studies, particularly when the patient is complaining of chest pain. We present a case study of a 37-year-old man who presented with a 3-month history of chest pain. A chest X-ray revealed dextrocardia with stomach gas in the lower right diaphragm. A CT examination showed that the right lung had 2 lobes, and the left lung had 3 lobes. This confirmed that the patient had dextrocardia with situs inversus, where the heart, organs and coronary arteries are inverted to the opposite side of the body. It is also known as a mirroring image, as the arrangement of the anatomy is unaffected. The patient''s right coronary artery was prominently inversed to the left side, while the left main coronary artery was inversed to the right side and continued toward the anterior interventricular sulcus, eventually becoming the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. The left circumflex artery was absent in the atrioventricular groove. There was also a plaque in the right-sided LAD with no significant stenosis. The patient received conservative medical therapy and had frequent follow-ups to check for potential complications.     

体静脉连接异常的心血管造影诊断

目的评价心血管造影对体静脉连接异常的诊断价值。方法回顾分析371例经手术证实的体静脉连接异常患儿的心血管造影。结果左上腔静脉残存共190例,其中左上腔静脉回流入冠状窦171例,左上腔静脉回流入左房9例,左上腔静脉经无顶冠状窦回流入左房10例;右上腔静脉缺如3例;下腔静脉异常连接42例,其中40例为下腔静脉中断伴奇静脉回流,1例为下腔静脉回流入左房,1例为双下腔静脉。无名静脉异常共136例。结论体静脉连接异常在先天性心脏病的患者中并不少见,先心病术前通过心血管造影了解体静脉的连接关系对手术有重要的指导意义。     

Hemodynamics of portal blood flow shown by CT portography. Work in progress

Computed tomography and arterial portography were combined in 12 patients for studies of the anatomy and hemodynamics of the portal venous system. This technique was found to be more sensitive than conventional venous-phase angiograms of the superior mesenteric and splenic arteries for evaluation of the anatomy of the portal venous system and extent of thrombosis in patients with cavernous transformation and also facilitated recognition of subtle evidence of hepatofugal flow and portosystemic shunts. CT portography can be employed when conventional angiograms fail to show the portal vein adequately.     

Dual-source CT cardiac imaging: initial experience

The relation of heart rate and image quality in the depiction of coronary arteries, heart valves and myocardium was assessed on a dual-source computed tomography system (DSCT). Coronary CT angiography was performed on a DSCT (Somatom Definition, Siemens) with high concentration contrast media (Iopromide, Ultravist 370, Schering) in 24 patients with heart rates between 44 and 92 beats per minute. Images were reconstructed over the whole cardiac cycle in 10% steps. Two readers independently assessed the image quality with regard to the diagnostic evaluation of right and left coronary artery, heart valves and left ventricular myocardium for the assessment of vessel wall changes, coronary stenoses, valve morphology and function and ventricular function on a three point grading scale. The image quality ratings at the optimal reconstruction interval were 1.24±0.42 for the right and 1.09±0.27 for the left coronary artery. A reconstruction of diagnostic systolic and diastolic images is possible for a wide range of heart rates, allowing also a functional evaluation of valves and myocardium. Dual-source CT offers very robust diagnostic image quality in a wide range of heart rates. The high temporal resolution now also makes a functional evaluation of the heart valves and myocardium possible.     

An unusual case of coronary artery fistula to the pulmonary artery,diagnosed with 64-MDCT coronary angiography

This report describes a case of complex coronary–pulmonary artery fistula with one feeding vessel from the proximal part of the right coronary. The complex anatomy of the fistula was shown in detail by multidetector computed tomography using multiplanar reconstruction and 3D volume rendering techniques.Traditionally, conventional angiography has been used for the diagnosis of coronary anomalies. With more frequent use of 64-row multi-detector computed tomography (CT) in chest and cardiac imaging, the number of incidentally found coronary artery fistulas has been increasing.     

Coronary artery anomalies in tetralogy of fallot

Coronary angiograms of 296 patients with Fallot's tetralogy were reviewed. Group I abnormalities in the origin and distribution of the coronary arteries, found in 32 (11.8%) cases, consisted of a single coronary artery from the left sinus of Valsalva in 7 cases, left anterior descending artery from the right coronary artery in 7 cases, and an accessory left anterior descending from the right coronary in 18 cases. Of the 7 cases with a single coronary artery, the right coronary branch was anterior to the aortic root, crossing the right ventricular outflow in two cases. Group II acquired abnormalities were found in 11 cases and consisted of an enlarged conus artery in 9 cases and 1 case each of coronary bronchial collateral and right ventricular branch from the left anterior descending artery. Except in 12 patients requiring selective coronary angiography, aortic root angiography was sufficient to outline the coronary anatomy. Awareness of a coronary anomaly helps in deciding the time and type of operative procedure to be performed, especially in infants, since injury to a large vessel perfusing the left ventricle usually results in increased morbidity and mortality.     

Clinical application of 64-slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of the Tetralogy of Fallot

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical application of 64-slice spiral CT in the diagnosis of the Tetralogy of Fallot. METHODS: Eighteen patients with diagnosed Tetralogy of Fallot underwent cardiac CT angiography with 64-slice CT (CTA). Two- and three-dimensional images were used for diagnosing in all cases by means of MPR (coronal, sagital and oblique), cMPR, MIP and VRT. RESULTS: All patients had ventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis and hypertrophy of right ventricle. The morphologic features of Tetralogy of Fallot were equal to echocardiography. Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) were detected on eight patients. Main coronary artery branches and partial sub-branches were visualized in all patients. Abnormal coronary arteries were found in seven cases: both left and right main coronary artery arising from the right aortic sinus one case, right main coronary artery and circumflex (CX) arising from the right aortic sinus one case, left anterior descending (LAD) and CX arising from left aortic sinus directly one case, left and right coronary artery arising from back and front of the aortic sinus, respectively, three cases. Pulmonary artery branch stenosis was found in 12 cases and branch pulmonary artery dilation noticed in 1 case. Double superior vena cava was also found in one case. According to the surgery the diagnostic accuracy of CT and Echocardiography was 95.45 and 83.33%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Two- and three-dimensional 64-slice CTA not only show the overall anatomical structure of the heart, but also show coronary and pulmonary arteries. With these results, evaluation of coronary anomalies and pulmonary artery stenosis with 64-MSCT is extremely valuable for planning the operative procedure on the patients with Tetralogy of Fallot.     

64MSCTA对冠状动脉变异的诊断及临床评价

目的评价64层螺旋CT冠状动脉血管成像（CTCA）对冠状动脉变异的诊断价值及临床评价。方法回顾性分析3529例临床疑为心肌缺血患者及常规体查者冠状动脉CTA影像检查结果并对发现的变异冠状动脉进行分类。结果3529例冠状动脉CTA受检者中,共检出冠状动脉变异42例（1．19％,42／3529）,MIP、VRT、CPR重建图像均明确显示其开口及走行;其中右冠状动脉起自主动脉左冠状窦者9例,左冠状动脉起自主动脉右冠状窦者2例,左回旋支异位开口于右冠窦1例,冠状动脉高位开口于升主动脉壁者6例．并行左主干3例（前降支、旋支分别开口于左冠窦）,左主干开口于肺动脉伴右冠状动脉瘤1例,左旋支-冠状静脉瘘者2例,副冠状动脉9例,右冠状动脉-左心室瘘合并右冠状动脉瘤l例。冠状动脉发育不良8例。结论冠状动脉CTA能准确显示各种类型冠状动脉变异,可作为无创性诊断冠状动脉变异的首选方法。     

Coronary CTA assessment of coronary anomalies

Coronary anomalies occur in <1% of the general population and can range from a benign incidental finding to the cause of sudden cardiac death. The coronary anomalies are classified here according to the traditional grouping into those of origin and course, intrinsic arterial anatomy, and termination. Classic coronary anomalies of origin and course include those in which a coronary artery originates from the contralateral aortic sinus or the pulmonary artery with anomalous course. Single coronary artery anomalies, in which single coronary artery branches to supply the entire coronary tree, are also included in this category. Anomalies of intrinsic arterial anatomy are a broad class that includes myocardial bridges, coronary ectasia and aneurysms, subendocardial coursing arteries, and coronary artery duplication. Coronary anomalies of termination are those in which a coronary artery terminates in a fistulous connection to a great vessel or cardiac chamber. In the case of those anomalies associated with a risk of sudden cardiac death, the relevant imaging features on CT angiography (CTA) associated with poorer prognosis are reviewed. Recent guidelines and appropriateness criteria favor the use of coronary CTA for the evaluation of coronary anomalies. Although invasive angiography has historically been used to diagnose coronary anomalies, multidetector CT imaging techniques have now become an accurate noninvasive alternative. Cardiac CTA provides excellent spatial and temporal resolution, allowing accurate anatomical assessment of these anomalies.     

冠状动脉瘘的双源CT诊断

目的:探讨双源CT(DSCT)冠状动脉成像对冠状动脉瘘的诊断价值.方法:对1000例患者行DSCT冠状动脉增强扫描,分析其断层图像,结合最大密度投影(MIP)、曲面重组(CPR)、多平面重组(MPR)和容积再现(VR)等方法观察冠状动脉的走行及心内外机构.结果:11例患者有冠状动脉瘘,其中右冠状动脉主干-肺动脉瘘5例,...     

CT evaluation of pulmonary venous anatomy variation in patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation

To characterize pulmonary vein (PV) anatomy and the relative position of the PV ostia to the adjacent thoracic vertebral bodies, two readers reviewed 176 computed tomography pulmonary venous studies. PV ostial dimensions were measured and PV ovality assessed. Anatomical variations in PV drainage were noted. The position of the PV ostium relative to the nearest vertebral body edge was recorded. Right PV ostia were significantly more circular than the left (p<.001). Anatomical variability was greater for right PVs: 82% of patients had 2 ostia, 17% had 3 ostia, 0.5% had 4 ostia and 0.5% a common ostium. For left PVs, 91% of patients had 2 ostia, 8.5% a common ostium and 0.5% 3 ostia. Mean ostial distances from vertebral margin were: right PVs 3.62±7.48 mm; left PVs 3.84±8.46 mm (p=.72). 65% of right upper PV, 60.5% of right lower PV, 51% of left upper PV and 57% of left lower PV ostia were positioned lateral to vertebral bodies. Right PV ostia are rounder than left-sided and right PV drainage is more variable. As a significant proportion of PV ostia overlap the vertebral bodies, prior anatomical evaluation by CT can assist catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF), especially when performed under fluoroscopy.     

Central venous stenosis of left versus right arm: its prevalence and effects on image quality in CT of the neck

Objective

The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the prevalence of the left and right central venous stenosis by measuring the narrowest area and (2) to assess the effects of the central venous stenosis on perivenous artifacts and reflux of contrast material, in CT of the neck.

Materials and methods

Images of a total of 443 CT of the neck with an injection of contrast material into the left (n = 249) or right (n = 194) arm were retrospectively reviewed. The maximum stenosis area in the central vein ipsilateral to the injection side was measured in each patient. We also graded the perivenous artifacts and reflux of contrast material with 4-point scale. These results were compared between patients with right arm injection and those with left arm injection.

Results

The maximum stenosis area in the left arm was significantly smaller than that in the right arm. The stenosis was most frequently identified at the medial clavicular region. The mean scores of the perivenous artifacts and the reflux of contrast material were significantly higher in patients with left arm injection than in those with right arm injection. The perivenous artifacts and reflux of contrast material were more prominent in patients with central venous stenosis (maximum stenosis area <50 mm²) than those without stenosis.

Conclusions

The image degradation in CT of the neck, due to perivenous artifacts and venous reflux, can be reduced with the right arm injection of contrast material when compared with the left arm injection.     

心率过快、心律不齐及起搏器置入患者的电子束CT冠状动脉成像

目的 总结不宜或不能行多层螺旋CT（MSCT）冠状动脉检查的心率过快、心律不齐、起搏器置入患者应用新代电子束CT（EBCT）行无创冠状动脉成像的初步经验。方法 患者36例，其中心率过快（／〉90次／min）20例、心律不齐11例、起搏器置入术后16层MSCT不能触发扫描4例、扫描中心率骤升16层MSCT检查失败1例。以EBCT行冠状动脉成像检查：静脉法增强扫描、前置心电门控数据采集、容积再现（VR）、最大密度投影（MIP）、曲面重组（CPR）、电影方式（cine）重组，以MIP图像评价冠状动脉管腔，以VR图像5级记分评价图像质量。结果 全部患者均成功获得冠状动脉影像。冠状动脉各主支总显示率80.0％，其中左主干、前降支、右冠状动脉显示率100％，回旋支94.3％。结论 新代EBCT能够完成心率过快、心律不齐和起搏器置入术后患者的无创冠状动脉检查，并可取得满意的结果。     

Computed tomography of a broken heart: Chronic left ventricular pseudoaneurysm

The multislice cardiac computed tomography (CT) images of a 77-year-old man with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting and subsequent large left ventricular pseudoaneurysm (LVPA) formation are presented. Survival, as in this case, for several years after pseudoaneurysm formation is unusual without operative intervention. The case highlights the utility of CT in this scenario in allowing accurate assessment of LVPA anatomy, as well as noninvasive assessment of graft vessel patentcy, both vital to surgical planning in such high-risk cases.