Vascular abnormalities not to miss on routine chest CT: A pictorial review

Rebecca Jamieson1, Ahmed Kharabish2, Monika Radikė3

  • 1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Foundation Trust, Burton Rd, Kendal, UK.

PubMed

Insights

This review aids radiologists in identifying cardiovascular abnormalities in thoracic computed tomography (CT) scans. It focuses on key intrathoracic vessels in non-gated or unenhanced imaging for better patient triage.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Thoracic Imaging

Background:

  • Thoracic computed tomography (CT) has numerous indications.
  • Identifying cardiovascular findings in thoracic CT can be challenging, particularly in non-gated or unenhanced studies.
  • Accurate triage of cardiovascular findings is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a pictorial review of common cardiovascular abnormalities.
  • To focus on abnormalities of the aorta, superior vena cava, pulmonary arteries, and coronary arteries.
  • To assist radiologists in interpreting non-gated enhanced or unenhanced thoracic CT scans.

Main Methods:

  • Pictorial review of relevant cases.
  • Focus on main intrathoracic vessels.
  • Illustrations of common abnormalities.

Main Results:

  • Demonstration of key abnormalities in the aorta, superior vena cava, pulmonary arteries, and coronary arteries.
  • Visual examples of findings in non-gated and unenhanced CT.
  • Guidance on identifying and triaging cardiovascular findings.

Conclusions:

  • Thoracic CT is essential for evaluating cardiovascular structures.
  • Radiologists can improve detection of cardiovascular abnormalities with focused review.
  • This pictorial guide enhances diagnostic accuracy in non-gated thoracic CT.

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