Thoracic aortic disease: Spectrum of multidetector computed tomography imaging findings

The clinical presentation of diseases involving the thoracic aorta ranges from a large number of asymptomatic patients with clinically undetectable thoracic aortic aneurysm to patients with symptoms of severe chest pain as a result of acute aortic dissection. Thoracic aortic disease often remains undiagnosed until a life-threatening complication occurs or the disease is discovered serendipitously on imaging studies performed for other purposes. Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) imaging of the aorta is used to diagnose various acute and chronic conditions, including aortic aneurysms, aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer, traumatic injury, rupture, inflammatory disorders, and congenital malformations. This review illustrates the wide range of MDCT imaging findings of thoracic aortic disease.     

Blunt traumatic abdominal aortic rupture: CT imaging

Blunt abdominal aortic trauma is a rare but potentially lethal event. It is commonly associated with high-speed motor vehicle accidents. Intimal flap, thrombosis, and pseudoaneurysm of the abdominal aorta are the more common findings. We present a case of blunt abdominal aortic trauma in which CT disclosed free aortic rupture with intraabdominal bleeding and a huge retroperitoneal hematoma, an extremely rare finding among patients reaching the hospital alive, due to its high and immediate mortality rate.     

Review of Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiography as a Screening Modality in the Assessment of Blunt Vascular Neck Injuries

Blunt vascular neck injuries (BVNI), previously thought to be rare, have demonstrated increasing incidence rates in recent literature and are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. A radiologist needs to efficiently recognize these injuries on preliminary screening to enable initiation of early management. When initiation of accurate management is started promptly, decreased rates of postinjury complications, for example, stroke, have been demonstrated. This article reviews the incidence, pathophysiology, and rationale for screening for these BVNI injuries. The utility of computed tomography angiography (CTA) as the potential new criterion standard as the screening and follow-up imaging modality for BVNI will be discussed. The application of new multidetector CTA techniques available, such as dual-energy CT and iterative reconstruction, are also reviewed. In addition, the characteristic imaging findings on CTA and the associated Denver Grading scale for BVNI will be reviewed to allow readers to become familiar with the injury patterns and to understand the prognostic and clinical implications, respectively. Examples of the spectrum of injuries, potential injury mimics, and different artifacts on multidetector CTA are shown to help familiarize readers and allow them to successfully and confidently recognize a true BVNI.     

Helical computed tomography of liver injuries: A trial of dual phase imaging

This study was performed to evaluate whether consecutive arterial phase and portal venous phase scans of the upper abdomen are contributory in the evaluation of the liver in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. The purpose of the study was to determine whether such dual acquisition using helical computed tomography (HCT) provides improved definition of injuries and significant information about the dynamics of posttraumatic hemorrhage.During a 10-month period, all patients referred for evaluation of blunt abdominal trauma were scanned using a dual phase imaging technique. Two consecutive and comparable scan clusters were programmed to study the upper abdomen, with a slice collimation of 10 mm and a 11 pitch. Intravenous contrast medium was delivered at a rate of 2 ml/sec for a total of 125 ml, with scan delays of 30 and 70 seconds (arterial and venous phases of hepatic enhancement).Thirty-two patients with hepatic lacerations were encountered, and the images from both acquisitions were compared and graded according to lesion conspicuity. The presence of contrast medium extravasation associated with parenchymal injuries was also recorded.In 23 (72%) of the 32 patients, the liver injuries were better defined in the portal venous phase, and in eight (25%) patients, the lesions were equally shown in both phases. In only one case, the lesion was better demonstrated in the arterial phase. Contrast medium extravasation was noted in two patients at the site of liver laceration. In three additional cases, contrast medium extravasation was also noted in associated splenic injuries. In all of these patients, the extravasation (bleeding laceration) was seen only in the images corresponding to the portal venous phase.Dual phase HCT of the upper abdomen does not provide significant additional information in the evaluation of patients with liver injuries resulting from blunt abdominal trauma. With a single scan cluster through the upper abdomen after a 70-second injection-scan delay, lesion definition is optimal, and vascular opacification remains adequate.     

Clinical relevance and scope of accidental extracoronary findings in coronary computed tomography angiography: A cardiac versus thoracic FOV study

Objective

To assess the spectrum and clinical relevance of extracoronary findings in coronary CT angiography (CCTA), and to compare a small (cardiac) field of view (FOV) to a large (thoracic) FOV setting.

Material and methods

1084 consecutive patients (mean 57 years) with low-to-intermediate risk of coronary artery disease were enrolled. 542 CCTA scans were interpreted with small FOV (160-190 mm²) encompassing the cardiac region. In another 542 CCTA (patients matched for age and gender), read-out of an additional full FOV (>320 mm²) covering the thorax was performed. Clinical relevance of extracoronary findings was considered as either “significant” or “non-significant”. “Significant” findings were subclassified as either score 1: findings necessitating immediate therapeutic actions, or score 2: findings with undoubted clinical or prognostic relevance, requiring clinical awareness, follow-up or further investigations (non-urgent). “Non-significant” findings were assigned to either score 3: findings not requiring follow-up or further tests, or as score 4: irrelevant incidental findings.

Results

Significantly more patients with extracoronary findings were identified by using a full FOV with 43.2% (234/542) compared to a small FOV with 33.6% (182/542) (p = 0.001). Similarly, a higher total number of extracoronary findings (n = 394) was found on full FOV compared to small FOV (n = 250) (p < 0.001).The detection rate of clinically significant findings was higher by using full FOV compared to small FOV (25.6% versus 15.4%) (p < 0.001), out of those 2.2% versus 1.8% of findings required immediate actions (score 1), and 23.4% versus 13.6% (p = 0.0001), respectively were of clinical relevance (non-urgent, score 2). The rate of malign findings was 0.2%, and of acute pulmonary embolism 0.1%.More lung pathologies were observed by using full FOV compared to small FOV (22% versus 7%) (p < 0.0001), and the detection rate of intrapulmonary nodules increased by 2.1%. Prevalence of aortic valve calcification (n = 72) was 13.3%, out of those 7% had less than 2 cm² aortic valve orifice area.

Conclusions

The interpretation of extracoronary findings on CCTA scans is mandatory given high prevalence of clinically significant findings by using a full “thoracic” FOV.     

Diagnosis of spinal dural arteriovenous fistula with multidetector row computed tomography: a case report

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are a rare cause of myelopathy. Nonspecific symptoms may delay the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging and spinal angiography are routinely used to establish the diagnosis. In our case abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging only suggested spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas. Multidetector row computed tomography (MRCT) led to the diagnosis which was confirmed by angiography.     

Virtual endoscopy of the tracheo-bronchial system: sub-millimeter collimation with the 16-row multidetector scanner

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the scope of sub-millimeter collimation reconstruction parameters using 16-row computer tomography and ECG triggering on image quality in virtual bronchoscopy. Thirty-two patients (5 women, 27 men, mean age 66.6±1.4) who had been admitted for coronary artery bypass graft surgery underwent CT examination of the thorax (Sensation 16, Siemens, Inc., Forchheim, Germany). All patients were examined with 16×0.75-mm collimation. Image reconstruction was performed for two groups. In group A (n=32), slice thickness of 1.5 mm and an overlap of 0.75 mm were used. In group B (n=32), slice thickness of 0.75 mm and an overlap of 0.4 mm were applied. Retrospective ECG triggering was performed in all patients. The maximum order of recognizable bronchi was determined in each data set. In addition to assessing the maximum order of bronchial bifurcation, bronchial diameter was determined in truly perpendicular sections in each patient. For every segment proximal to a bifurcation, image quality was subjectively graded as poor (grade 1), moderate (grade 2) or good (grade 3). The observers were asked to identify the minimum cardiac movement ECG-triggered image sets assuming that they would be of better quality than the maximum cardiac movement ECG-triggered image sets. The Mann-Whitney U-test and the Fishers Exact Test were used for statistical evaluation. In group A, a mean of 4.8±0.2 bifurcations was ascertained vs. 6.5±0.3 bifurcations in group B [P<0.0003]. For bronchial diameters in group A, a mean of 7.5±0.4 mm was determined vs. 4.6±0.4 mm in group B [P<0.0001]. In group B, two independent radiologists observed a significant shift to better image quality in all segments evaluated [P<0.006 to P<0.000001]. Motion artifacts were judged as being significantly reduced by minimum cardiac movement ECG-triggering in group B [observer 1: P=0.0007 (20/32); observer 2: P=0.008 (18/32)], but not in group A [observer 1: P=0.286 (13/32); observer 2: P=0.123 (16/32)]. Sub-millimeter collimation and minimum cardiac movement ECG-triggered data acquisition allow deeper penetration into the tracheo-bronchial system allowing visualization of the bronchial surface down to diameters below 5 mm in certain cases up to the eighth bifurcation. Along with an enhanced visualization as such, better image quality is acquired in all segments evaluated. Trade off between better image quality, of doubtful diagnostic consequence, and much higher irradiation dose must be made.     

In vitro characterization of atherosclerotic carotid plaque with multidetector computed tomography and histopathological correlation

This in vitro study evaluated the performance of 16-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the assessment of carotid plaque components, with histology as the gold standard. Twenty-one specimens (n=21) were scanned and reconstructed after optimization of the protocol. Three corresponding MDCT images and histologic sections were selected from each specimen. The Hounsfield values (HV) of the major plaque components (calcifications, fibrous tissue and lipid) were assessed. Plaque areas (mm²) assessed with MDCT were compared with the results from histologic analysis. A value of 140 kVp and an intermediate reconstruction algorithm was the optimal protocol. In 15 out of 21 specimens it was possible to match MDCT images with histology. The HV of calcifications, fibrous tissue and lipid were 45±21, 79±20 and 960±491 HU (P<0.001), respectively. Plaque areas were compared in 27 matched levels. The calcified and lipid areas on MDCT and histology correlate well (R²=0.83 and R²=0.68, respectively). The mean difference in lipid area was 0.1 mm² (95% CI=–2.1–2.3 mm²). This in vitro study showed that MDCT is capable of characterizing and quantifying the lipid rich portion of the atherosclerotic plaque.     

Advances of multidetector computed tomography in the characterization and staging of renal cell carcinoma

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) accounts for approximately 90%-95% of kidney tumors. With the widespread use of cross-sectional imaging modalities, more than half of RCCs are detected incidentally, often diagnosed at an early stage. This may allow the planning of more conservative treatment strategies. Computed tomography (CT) is considered the examination of choice for the detection and staging of RCC. Multidetector CT (MDCT) with the improvement of spatial resolution and the ability to obtain multiphase imaging, multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstructions in any desired plane brought about further improvement in the evaluation of RCC. Differentiation of RCC from benign renal tumors based on MDCT features is improved. Tumor enhancement characteristics on MDCT have been found closely to correlate with the histologic subtype of RCC, the nuclear grade and the cytogenetic characteristics of clear cell RCC. Important information, including tumor size, localization, and organ involvement, presence and extent of venous thrombus, possible invasion of adjacent organs or lymph nodes, and presence of distant metastases are provided by MDCT examination. The preoperative evaluation of patients with RCC was improved by depicting the presence or absence of renal pseudocapsule and by assessing the possible neoplastic infiltration of the perirenal fat tissue and/or renal sinus fat compartment.     

Role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in diagnosis and staging of gall bladder carcinoma

Background

Carcinoma of the gall bladder is the fifth most common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract after colorectal, pancreatic, gastric and esophageal carcinomas.

Aim of the work

To study the role of multidetector computed tomography in the diagnosis and staging of gall bladder carcinoma.

Subjects and methods

This study included twenty-five patients presented to us during the period from June 2011 till May 2012 and were diagnosed radiologically by multidetector computed tomography as carcinoma of the gall bladder and the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. All the patients were subjected to ultrasonography followed by multidetector computed tomographic imaging using triphasic examination technique.

Results

Among the twenty-five patients included in this study there were fifteen females and ten males. Their ages ranged from 50 to 70 years old (average 60 years). All the patients were radiologically diagnosed as gall bladder carcinoma based on the multidetector computed tomographic findings. Infiltrating masses were detected in fifteen patients (60%), Intraluminal polypoidal masses were detected in nine patients (36%) while one patient (4%) presented with mural thickening of the gall bladder wall.

Conclusion

We conclude that multidetector CT is the diagnostic tool of choice in the detection and staging of gall bladder carcinoma.     

Diagnostic value of ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography in the early phase of suspected acute myocarditis. A preliminary comparative study with cardiac MRI

The aim of the study was to determine the potential diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced echocardiogram (ECG)-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the setting of suspected acute myocarditis compared with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The study group consisted of 12 consecutive patients admitted for suspected acute myocarditis less than 10 days after onset of symptoms. All patients had clinical, electrocardiographic signs, and laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis. All patients but one (severe claustrophobia) underwent cardiac MRI using T1-weighted delayed-enhancement images after injection of gadolinium. ECG-gated MDCT was performed in all patients and included a first-pass contrast-enhanced acquisition and a delayed acquisition. MRI revealed abnormal focal or multifocal myocardial enhancement and confirmed the diagnosis in 11 patients. The first-pass MDCT acquisition showed homogenous left-ventricle contrast enhancement and absence of coronary stenosis in all patients. Delayed MDCT acquisition, performed 5 min later without reinjection of contrast medium revealed multiple areas of myocardial hyperenhancement in a focal or a multifocal pattern (six and six patients, respectively). Extent and location of hyperenhancement at MDCT correlated well with that observed at MR examination for all 11 patients evaluated by both techniques (r=0.9167, p=0.0004). These preliminary results show that ECG-gated MDCT could be a useful alternative noninvasive diagnostic test in the early phase of acute myocarditis.     

Violence-related facial trauma: analysis of multidetector computed tomography findings of 727 patients

Objectives

The multidetector CT (MDCT) findings of facial trauma in victims of interpersonal violence were assessed.

Methods

All MDCT requests for suspected facial injury during a 62 month period were retrieved; 727 cases met the inclusion criteria. Images were interpreted by two researchers by consensus.

Results

Of the 727 patients (aged 15–86 years old, mean 37), 583 (80.2%) were male and 144 (19.8%) female. Of all the patients, 74% had a fracture, and of these 44% had multiple non-contiguous fractures.

Conclusions

Violence is a very common cause of facial injury. Nasal and orbital fractures predominate. Males are more often involved; they are younger, sustain fractures more often and significantly more often present with high-energy fracture patterns. LeFort fractures are often unilateral or asymmetrical, and are frequently accompanied by other, clinically significant fractures. Up to 25% of patients with fractures do not have paranasal sinus effusions.     

Evaluation of spinal trauma by multi detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

Aim of work

The aim of this work is to assess the role of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of spinal trauma.

Patients and methods

Between January 2013 and April 2014, 98 patients (78 males and 20 females) with spinal injuries were investigated by MDCT and MRI. Assessment of the radiological findings of spinal injury was performed and the following were investigated: vertebral compression fractures, bursts and dislocations, posterior element fractures, C1 and C2 lesions, vertebral listhesis, bone marrow edema, spinal canal compression, disk herniation, extradural hematoma, spinal cord contusions, spinal cord swelling and posterior ligamentous complex injuries.

Result

A total of 271 lesions were diagnosed as follows: 217 lesions were diagnosed using MRI alone, 1 54 lesions were diagnosed using MDCT alone and 100 lesions were diagnosed using MRI and MDCT conjointly. By using MRI 117 more lesions were detected than using MDCT. MRI was significantly superior to MDCT in the diagnosis of bone marrow edema, posterior ligamentous complex injuries, disk herniations, spinal canal compressions, and spinal cord contusions and edema. In cervical spine injuries, MRI was useful for the evaluation of the supporting ligaments and the spinal cord after the patient has been stabilized. The average times required to perform CT and MRI were 1.38 ± 19.83 and 2.00 ± 19.58 days, respectively; this difference was significant (p?0.05) according to the Mann–Whitney test.

Conclusion

MRI was significantly superior to MDCT in the diagnosis of bone marrow edema, posterior ligamentous complex injuries, disk herniations, spinal canal compressions, and spinal cord contusions and edema. In cervical spine injuries, MRI was useful for the evaluation of the supporting ligaments and the spinal cord after the patient has been stabilized.MDCT and MRI are complementary to each other in evaluation of spine injuries.     

Temporal evolution of multidetector CT findings after endoscopic submucosal dissection in patients with early gastric cancer: Correlation with endoscopy

Objective

To assess changes over time in imaging findings retrospectively by multidetector CT (MDCT) with two-dimensional (2D) multiplanar reconstruction and three-dimensional (3D) CT gastrography (CTG), after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC), and to correlate 3D CT images with endoscopic appearance.

Materials and methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 84 patients underwent ESD and were followed up with MDCT. Fifteen patients underwent CT twice, and 3 patients underwent CT 3 times. A total of 105 CTs were included in this study and 43 CTs contained 3D CTGs. Two radiologists in consensus interpreted CT images for lesion detectability, presence and characteristics of ulcer, focal wall thickening, perigastric fat infiltration, and overlying enhancing layer in 2D images. The presence of ulcer or subtle mucosal nodularity, ulcer mound, and fold convergence were analysed in 3D CT images. We also assessed the time interval between ESD and CT and analysed the temporal evolution of CT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of 3D CTG were assessed regarding endoscopic features as the gold standard.

Results

The mean interval between ESD and follow up CT was 76.9 days (median, 62; range, 2–223). No tumour recurrence in any lesion was found on follow-up endoscopic biopsy and also lymph node or distant metastasis was not observed on CT exams in the follow-up period. The lesion detectability in a total of 105 post-ESD 2D CT images was 42.0% (44/105), and 93.2% (41/44) of the detected lesions were visualizable 2 months after ESD. Focal wall thickening was observed during the entire follow-up period in all patients. Perigastric fat infiltration was observed in 4 lesions within 1 week of ESD. Overlying enhancing layer appeared in 27 lesions without temporal evolution. On a total of 43 post-ESD 3D CTG, lesion detectability was 76.7% (33/43), and lesions could be visualized for a longer period than by 2D CT images (223 days versus 99 days). Three-dimensional imaging features revealed ulcer, ulcer mound, and fold convergence. Ulcer mounds disappeared first (median, 12.5 days; range, 2–14 days after ESD), ulcers appeared up to 4 months after ESD (median, 14 days; range, 2–174 days after ESD) and fold convergence continued to the end of the study (median, 74 days; range, 2–223 days after ESD). We found that sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of 3D CTG were 70.0%, 92.9%, 83.3% for ulcer, 28.6%, 100%, 71.4% for ulcer mound, and 71.4%, 100%, 75% for fold convergence regarding endoscopy, respectively.

Conclusion

On follow-up 2D or 3D CT images after ESD, early findings were of perigastric fat infiltration, ulcer, and surrounding oedema. Focal wall thickening and fold convergence continued to be observed late in the study. The overlying enhancing layer did not show temporal evolution.     

Ameloblastic carcinoma of the mandible with metastasis to the skull and lung: advanced imaging appearance including computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography computed tomography

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a very rare malignant odontogenic tumour with characteristic histopathological and clinical features, which requires aggressive surgical treatment and surveillance and, therefore, differs from ameloblastoma. Metastasis typically occurs in the lung. Only one patient with metastasis to the skull has previously been described and no prior case reports have presented MRI and positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) imaging findings. We describe a case of ameloblastic carcinoma with metastasis to the skull and lung with emphasis on imaging features including MRI and PET-CT.     

Congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries: imaging with contrast-enhanced, multidetector computed tomography

The objective of this study is to evaluate multidetector CT (MDCT) in detecting and characterizing anomalous coronary arteries. Forty-four patients with anomalies of the coronaries were selected from a total of 1758 individuals examined with ECG-gated 4- and 16-row MDCT including thinMIP, MPR and VRT post-processing. Twenty-eight patients showed origin and course anomalies of the central coronary segments, and in this subgroup 13 were judged as malignant because of interarterial courses between the aortic root and the pulmonary trunk, either of the right coronary artery (n=11) or the left coronary artery (n=2). Twelve non-hemodynamic anomalies were found, affecting the coronary origins only (n=10) or the peripheral vessels courses (n=2). Four arteriovenous fistulas were present, all of them with complex arterial feeders. Regardless of vessel anatomy, coronary opacification was always possible by means of the systemic contrast agent, and the aberrant coronary arteries were visualized synoptically in direct relation to the great mediastinal vessels. In contrast to MDCT, selective cannulation and final diagnosis was possible in only 11 of the 20 catheter angiograms performed (accuracy of 55.0%). In conclusion, its non-invasiveness and precise visualization makes MDCT the standard of reference for evaluating anomalous coronary arteries.     

Stature estimation in Japanese cadavers using the sacral and coccygeal length measured with multidetector computed tomography

We evaluated the relationship between stature and the length of the sacrum and coccyx using multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and derived regression equations for stature estimation in the modern Japanese population. Two hundred and sixteen Japanese subjects (110 males and 106 females) who underwent postmortem computed tomography with subsequent forensic autopsy between January 2010 and August 2013 were measured. A sagittal-plane image of the sacrum and coccyx was used. Anterior sacral length (ASL) was defined as the linear distance from the anterosuperior edge of the first sacral vertebra (S1) to the anteroinferior edge of the fifth sacral vertebra (S5), and posterior sacral length (PSL) was defined as the linear distance from the posterosuperior edge of S1 to the anteroinferior edge of S5. Anterior sacrococcygeal length (ASCL) was defined as the linear distance from the anterosuperior edge of S1 to the anteroinferior edge of the last coccygeal vertebra (LCV), and posterior sacrococcygeal length (PSCL) was defined as the linear distance from the posterosuperior edge of S1 to the anteroinferior edge of the LCV. The correlation between stature and each parameter was evaluated by simple regression analysis using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients. Each parameter was significantly and positively correlated with stature among both males and females. Cadaver stature (CS, cm) = 0.43 × PSL (mm) + 143.67 provided the most accurate stature prediction (R = 0.507, SEE = 5.83 cm) in males. CS (cm) = 0.56 × PSCL (mm) + 85.29 provided the most accurate stature prediction (R = 0.659, SEE = 6.68 cm) in females. We conclude that sacral/sacrococcygeal length measured with MDCT is a potentially useful tool for stature estimation, particularly in cases where better predictors such as the long bones are not available.     

Efficacy of pre-scan beta-blockade and impact of heart rate on image quality in patients undergoing coronary multidetector computed tomography angiography

OBJECTIVE: While beta-blockers are routinely administered to patients prior to coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), their effectiveness is unknown. We therefore assessed the efficacy of beta-blockade with regards to heart rate (HR) control and image quality in an unselected patient cohort. METHODS: We studied 150 consecutive patients (104 men/46 female; mean age, 56+/-13 years) referred for coronary CTA. Intravenous metoprolol (5-20mg) was administered to patients with a HR >65 beats per minute (bpm). The goal HR was defined as an average HR <65 bpm without a single measurement above 68 bpm. RESULTS: Overall, 45% (68/150) of patients met the HR criteria for beta-blocker administration of which 76% (52/68) received metoprolol (mean dose 12+/-10mg). Of the 52 patients who received beta-blocker versus the 98 who did not, 18 (35%) versus 62 (64%) patients achieved the goal HR, respectively. All patients who achieved the target HR had an evaluable CTA while five patients who did not achieve the target HR had at least one non-evaluable coronary artery due to motion artifact. There was also a significant reduction in any motion artifact among those who achieved the goal HR as compared to those who did not (p=0.001). Logistic regression revealed an increase in the odds of stair step artifact of 11.6% (95% CI: 2.4% decrease, 27.5% increase) per 1 bpm increase in the standard deviation of scan HR. CONCLUSION: Overall, efficacy of beta-blocker administration to reach target HR is limited. Improvements in CT scanner temporal resolution are mandatory to achieve consistently high image quality independent of HR and beta-blocker administration.     

Posttraumatic ventricular pseudoaneurysm in a 7-year-old child diagnosed with multidetector CT of the chest: a case report

We report the CT findings on a 7-year-old male who developed a left ventricular pseudoaneurysm involving the anterior septal left ventricular wall after blunt chest trauma.