To become familiar with the normal development of arterial vessels in the child To describe the radiological appearances of the main anatomical variants and the classification of cardiovascular development diseases To illustrate typical radiological features, through cases, of commonly encountered and some rare aortic arch anomalies To build an order for the optimal reporting and communication of findings with the referral clinician

Computed tomography is a fast, efficient, powerful examination for the evaluation of aortic arch anomalies. Evaluating the normal vascular anatomical variants and providing a quick, correct and comprehensive diagnosis is crucial for the pediatric radiologist. In addition to assessing the thoracic vessels, other structures and complications can be evaluated at the same time, such as cardiac, pulmonary and bronchial lesions. Using computed tomography instead of ultrasound (Echo) or magnetic resonance (MRI) for thoracic vessels appraisal may significantly decrease the need of highly specialized ultrasound examiner...

CT angiography represent an extremely useful complementary method in the diagnosis of congenital abnormalities of the aortic arch in pediatric patients, regardless of their age. It is a fast, non-invasive procedure, requiring small quantities of intravenous contrast, with decreasing radiation doses. It enables the diagnose the studied anomalies in an efficient and precise way, with excellent correlation to the surgery findings. According to SCCT guidelines performing cardiac CT for CHD requires an in depth knowledge of the patient history, prior intervention(s), common hemodynamic sequelae, and...

Thoracic CT angiography is a fast, efficient examination for the evaluation of aortic arch anomalies. With this diagnostic tool a radiologist plays an essential role in the management of aortic arch anomalies, both pre and postprocedural. In-depth knowledge of aortic arch anatomy and variants is the key to a correct diagnosis. Although CT angiography provides excellent information, it is important to remember that there is an irradiation risk and always a cost-benefit assessment should be performed.

M. Pop; Targu Mures/RO - nothing to disclose I. P. Simu; Targu Mures/RO - nothing to disclose

Han BK, Rigsby CK, Hlavacek A, Leipsic J, Nicol ED, Siegel MJ, Bardo D, Abbara S, Ghoshhajra B, Lesser JR, Raman S, Crean AM; Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography; Society of Pediatric Radiology; North American Society of Cardiac Imaging. Computed Tomography Imaging in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Part I: Rationale and Utility. An Expert Consensus Document of the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT): Endorsed by the Society of Pediatric Radiology (SPR) and the North American Society of Cardiac Imaging (NASCI). J Cardiovasc Comput...