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Intra-aortic counterpulsation balloon pumps: CT appearance.
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212-9986.
Clinical Imaging
|August 1, 1990
Summary
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.