Keywords:
CT-Angiography, CT, Paediatric, Cardiovascular system, Anatomy, Contrast agent-intravenous, Sedation, Pathology
Authors:
R. J. Krysiak1, J. Żyłkowski1, M. Brzewski2, J. Komarnicka2, D. Roik2; 1Warszawa/PL, 2Warsaw/PL
DOI:
10.26044/ecr2019/C-0392
Methods and materials
We reviewed MDCT thoracic studies performed for different indications in our university hospital over the 4 year period.
All data was collected using the hospital radiology information system.
The period assessed was from 01.01.2011 to 31.12.2014.
In 2015 we moved to a completely new facility.
Because of low volume of patients during that time,
it was decided to include patients till the end of 2014.
Search terms were as followed: “chest CT”,
“angio CT”,
“thorax CT”.
Only contrast enhanced examinations were included.
All image data was downloaded from PACS(patient archive and communication system) in DICOM format and assessed on a dedicated workstation.
All studies were performed on a 16 channel MDCT system and 64 channel MDCT system.
Examinations were excluded when vascular structures could not be assessed,
if there was inadequate contrast enhancement,
motion artifacts or in cases of prior aortic arch surgery.
In most cases axial images were sufficient to assess the anatomy of the arch.
However in cases of uncertainty,
multiplanar and volume rendered reconstructions were obtained.
All images were assessed by a single radiologist.
563 patients were initially identified.
In overall,
52 patients were excluded: 26 because of prior surgery and 26 because of technical factors.
Finally 511 patients were suitable for analysis: 242 females(47,4%) and 269 males(52,6%) with the mean age 6,6 year(1 day – 18 year).
In compliance to our local policy,
this study was reported to the ethics committee.