Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025
10:16
Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging
Published on: February 10, 2012
32.4K
Coronary Artery Vasculitis and Encasement: Multimodality Imaging Findings and Mimics
Claire F Woodworth1, Ryan C Yee1, Scott Harris1
1From the Department of Radiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, 300 Prince Philip Dr, St. John's, NL, Canada A1B 3V6 (C.F.W., R.C.Y., S.H.); and Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn (P.M.Y., P.A.A., J.D.C.).
Summary
Coronary artery vasculitis (CAV) and coronary artery encasement are rare conditions mimicking heart attacks. Differentiating them using CT angiography imaging features is crucial for proper patient management and avoiding complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Coronary artery vasculitis (CAV) and coronary artery encasement are uncommon conditions impacting coronary arteries.
- These conditions are critical considerations in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome, especially those lacking traditional cardiovascular risk factors or systemic illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate between coronary artery vasculitis (CAV) and coronary artery encasement using imaging features.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing these conditions beyond atherosclerosis for accurate diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of imaging features on coronary CT angiography for CAV and coronary artery encasement.
- Comparison of imaging characteristics to distinguish between inflammation (CAV) and neoplastic involvement (encasement).
Main Results:
- Coronary artery vasculitis (CAV) typically presents with smooth, circumferential, and continuous wall thickening.
- Coronary artery encasement is characterized by irregular, eccentric, or nodular wall thickening, potentially with more extensive epicardial fat stranding.
- Mimics of CAV include atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, aneurysms, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing CAV from coronary artery encasement on CT angiography relies on specific wall thickening patterns.
- Accurate diagnosis of CAV can prevent complications like accelerated atherosclerosis and infarction.
- Radiologists play a key role in identifying these rare coronary artery pathologies, guiding further patient workup and treatment.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
3
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
3
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
149
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
149
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic studies
3
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
3
01:21Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System IV: CMRI
7
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, or CMRI, is a non-invasive diagnostic test that employs a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create precise images of the heart and arteries. It provides comprehensive information about cardiac anatomy, function, perfusion, and tissue characterization without ionizing radiation.IndicationsCMRI diagnoses various heart conditions, including tissue damage from heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, myocarditis, aortic issues (tears, aneurysms,...
7
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
3
Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
3
01:27Myocarditis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
2
Myocarditis is an inflammation of the heart muscle. The symptoms vary widely, encompassing asymptomatic presentations to severe, acute manifestations.Clinical PresentationAsymptomatic cases: In some instances, myocarditis may be asymptomatic, with the infection resolving without intervention. These cases often go undetected unless discovered incidentally through diagnostic imaging or tests conducted for other reasons.General Early Symptoms: Early symptoms of myocarditis are non-specific and can...
2