Three-dimensional CT scanning: a new diagnostic modality in congenital heart disease

Heart. 2007 Aug;93(8):908-13. doi: 10.1136/hrt.2006.101352. Epub 2006 Sep 4.

Abstract

New generation multislice CT technology has changed the approach to non-invasive assessment of congenital heart disease, in both paediatric and adult patients. This is mainly because of rapid advances in spatial and temporal resolution and in post-processing capability. At Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, CT with multiplanar and three-dimensional reconstruction has become a routine examination in the evaluation of congenital heart disease planning surgery, complex interventional catheterisations and for follow-up. It has proved to be an invaluable diagnostic and decision-aiding methodology in these situations, as a complement to echocardiography and, increasingly, as a substitute for diagnostic angiography (which is usually associated with higher-dose radiation and longer sedation times, as well as occasional morbidity). This review illustrates the current status of 64-slice CT in congenital heart diseases, including assessment of the aorta, the coronary arteries, the pulmonary arteries, the systemic and pulmonary veins, and other intra- and extracardiac malformations.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic / pathology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Coronary Vessels / pathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional*
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Phlebography
  • Pulmonary Artery / pathology
  • Pulmonary Veins / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*