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Orthotopic cardiac transplantation: evaluation with CT.
D A Henry1, H L Corcoran, T D Lewis
1Department of Radiology, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0615.
Radiology
|February 1, 1989
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) aids in evaluating heart transplant recipients. Key findings include aortic anastomosis and altered great vessel spacing, improving diagnosis of post-transplant complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Transplant Surgery
Background:
- Cardiac transplantation is increasingly common.
- Computed tomography (CT) is valuable for post-heart transplant patient assessment.
- Understanding post-transplant anatomy is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and describe key anatomic features on chest CT scans in orthotopic heart transplant recipients.
- To correlate CT findings with the surgical procedure.
- To enhance the interpretation of complications in post-transplant patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 59 chest CT scans from 46 patients who underwent orthotopic cardiac transplantation.
- Analysis of common and reliable anatomic findings related to the transplantation procedure.
Main Results:
- Aortic anastomosis was observed in 98% of scans.
- Altered spacing between the great vessels was present in 83% of scans.
- Other noted features included atrial anastomosis, high main pulmonary artery segment, remnant superior vena cava, and cardiac reorientation.
Conclusions:
- CT provides a comprehensive view of the cardiovascular-pericardial complex after heart transplantation.
- Familiarity with these CT findings improves the interpretation of adenopathy, mediastinal abscess, and pericardial effusion.
- CT is an essential tool for monitoring heart transplant recipients.