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Towards multi-phase postmortem CT angiography in children: a study on a porcine model
F Z Mokrane1,2, L Dercle3,4, O Meyrignac5
1Radiology Department, Rangueil University Hospital, 1 Avenue du Professeur Jean Poulhes, 31059 cedex, Toulouse, France. mokrane_fatimazohra@yahoo.fr.
Insights
Adapting multi-phase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) for pediatric use is crucial. This study successfully adapted the adult MPMCTA protocol for children using a porcine model, showing promising results for smaller subjects.
Area of Science:
- Forensic radiology
- Pediatric imaging techniques
- Vascular imaging
Background:
- Multi-phase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) is a standardized adult imaging technique.
- Its application in pediatric populations requires adaptation and validation.
- Porcine models offer a viable alternative for studying pediatric imaging protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt the adult MPMCTA protocol for pediatric use.
- To evaluate the efficacy of MPMCTA in a porcine model across various weights.
- To identify optimal parameters for pediatric vascular imaging.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of pigs (n=18 each) weighing 4-48 kg were studied.
- Different pump devices (Virtangio®, Medrad®) were utilized.
- Vascular opacification was semi-quantitatively assessed in 52 arterial and venous segments.
Main Results:
- Complete opacification was achieved in thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic regions.
- The Medrad® machine demonstrated superior opacification in extremities for smaller pigs.
- Lower pig weights correlated with higher opacification percentages and lower contrast volumes.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) is feasible in pediatric subjects, especially those weighing as little as 4 kg, using the Medrad® machine.
- The adapted protocol shows promise for pediatric applications.
- Further research is necessary to refine the procedure for optimal pediatric imaging.
Purpose:
Multi-phase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) is a growing technique, which is standardized for adults. Application of this protocol for a children population is not so well defined. Our study aims to adapt the adult's protocol to children, using a porcine model.
Material And Methods:
Three groups of 18 pigs were studied, with a weight distribution between 4 and 48 kg. Different pump devices were used. Pigs of group I were studied using the Virtangio® machine, whereas pigs of groups II and III were studied using used the Medrad® machine. Study of vascular opacification was possible using a semi-quantitative method based on 26 arterial and 26 venous segments that were distributed over the entire body from the cephalic extremity to the posterior pawns.
Results:
While thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic vascular opacification were complete for each individual pig in a group, group III showed better vascular opacification for the cephalic extremity. This was also true for anterior and posterior pawns vascular opacification. Spearman correlation tests showed a significant relationship between anthropometric characteristics of pigs, injection parameters, and percentage of opacified segments. A higher percentage of opacification was obtained for individuals of lower weights, with comparatively lower quantities of contrast agent injected.
Conclusion:
Postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) was possible for all the individuals, particularly for small weights (4 kg) using the Medrad® machine. However, further studies are needed to better understand the procedure.
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