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Published on: November 1, 2018
Imaging of congenital cardiovascular disease: the case for computed tomography
1Department of Pediatrics, Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425-9150, USA. hlavace@musc.edu
Insights
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) offers significant advantages for congenital heart imaging, providing high resolution and 3D views. CTA is a valuable tool, often preferable to MRI, complementing echocardiography for congenital cardiovascular disease patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Echocardiography and MRI are established for congenital cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) is an evolving imaging modality with potential advantages.
- Congenital heart disease requires precise and accessible imaging techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the utility of CTA in congenital cardiac imaging.
- To compare the risks and benefits of CTA with echocardiography and MRI.
- To highlight CTA's advantages in specific clinical scenarios for pediatric and adult congenital heart patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on CTA for congenital heart disease.
- Comparative analysis of CTA, echocardiography, and MRI characteristics.
- Discussion of technological advancements reducing radiation exposure in CTA.
Main Results:
- CTA offers high spatial resolution, inherent 3D visualization, and practicality.
- CTA requires less sedation compared to other modalities, beneficial for pediatric patients.
- Newer CTA technologies significantly minimize radiation risks.
Conclusions:
- CTA is a valuable adjunct to echocardiography for congenital heart disease.
- CTA is often preferable to MRI in specific clinical situations for evaluating congenital cardiovascular disease.
- The benefits of CTA in congenital cardiac imaging outweigh the minimal radiation risks with modern techniques.
Abstract:
Computed tomographic angiography is a rapidly evolving modality that is well suited for congenital cardiac imaging. Although echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging carry an established role for evaluating patients with congenital cardiovascular disease, computed tomographic angiography provides important advantages over each of these modalities in certain clinical scenarios. Its practicality, high spatial resolution, inherent 3-dimensional nature, and decreased need for sedation make it a very useful tool in this patient population. This study reviews the utility of computed tomographic angiography and addresses the risks and benefits of this modality in comparison with other imaging modalities. Despite the exposure to ionizing radiation, newer technologies and techniques are being introduced that are decreasing the risks associated with computed tomographic imaging to exceedingly small levels. When viewed in the context of other risks these patients encounter, computed tomographic angiography is a useful adjunct to echocardiography in patients with congenital heart disease and is often preferable to magnetic resonance imaging in certain patients.
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