Incidental cardiac abnormalities on non-electrocardiogram-gated multi-detector computed tomography imaging of the...

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is increasingly used for thoracic and abdominal imaging.
• Cardiac structures are often visualized on these scans, but incidental findings may be overlooked.
• Advancements in MDCT technology have improved image quality and reduced motion artifacts, enabling better cardiac assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a pictorial review of incidental cardiac abnormalities detected on non-ECG-gated MDCT.
• To systematically describe various cardiac pathologies identified incidentally.
• To raise awareness among radiologists and clinicians regarding the potential for cardiac diagnosis using routine MDCT.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of non-ECG-gated MDCT scans of the thorax and abdomen performed at the institution.
• Systematic categorization of identified cardiac abnormalities, including pericardial, myocardial, valvular, chamber, coronary artery, and congenital heart disease.
• Correlation of selected MDCT findings with echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging where available.

Main Results:

• A range of incidental cardiac abnormalities were identified on non-ECG-gated MDCT.
• Findings included pathologies affecting the pericardium, myocardium, valves, chambers, coronary arteries, and congenital heart disease.
• The improved resolution of modern MDCT facilitates the detection of these incidental cardiac findings.

Conclusions:

• Non-ECG-gated MDCT of the thorax and abdomen can reveal significant incidental cardiac abnormalities.
• Radiologists should be vigilant in evaluating cardiac structures on these scans, even when not indicated for cardiac assessment.
• Recognition of these incidental findings can lead to timely diagnosis and management of potentially serious cardiac conditions.