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Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps: CT appearance
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-9986.
Insights
Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps (ICBP) appear inflated on chest imaging during diastole. Characteristic CT findings and complications of ICBP are discussed, aiding in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Medical Devices
- Radiology
Background:
- Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps (ICBP) are critical for managing cardiogenic shock and high-risk cardiac surgery.
- ICBP inflation status is often assessed via chest radiography, typically during diastole.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings of an inflated ICBP.
- To discuss complications associated with ICBP that are identifiable via radiography.
- To emphasize the importance of excluding ICBP presence before considering other causes of intra-aortic gas.
Main Methods:
- Review of computed tomography (CT) scans in patients with intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps (ICBP).
- Correlation of imaging findings with clinical context.
- Analysis of radiographically identified complications related to ICBP.
Main Results:
- Characteristic computed tomography (CT) features of an inflated intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pump (ICBP) were identified.
- Several complications related to ICBP were observed and characterized on imaging.
- The appearance of an inflated ICBP on CT can mimic or obscure other intra-aortic pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Computed tomography (CT) provides detailed visualization of intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps (ICBP) and their complications.
- Radiologists should be familiar with ICBP imaging to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Exclusion of ICBP presence is crucial when evaluating for intra-aortic gas or other abnormalities.
Abstract:
Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps (ICBP) used in the setting of cardiogenic shock or high risk cardiac surgery, have been identified on chest films in the inflated state during diastole (1). We report characteristic computed tomography (CT) findings of an inflated ICBP, discuss its radiographically identified complications, and suggest that the presence of this device should be excluded before suspecting other etiologies for intra-aortic gas.