Learning objectives
To describe in a pictorial manner, possible delayed complications of the Modified Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt (mBTTs) demonstrated in cardiac gated CT scans at a large tertiary paediatric hospital within Brisbane, Australia.
Background
Modified Blalock-Thomas-Taussig shunt is an uncommon staged neonatal cardiothoracic surgical procedure for patients with congenital cyanotic heart disease and pulmonary hypoperfusion. The mBTT shunt is generally performed in patients with significant pulmonary atresia or right ventricular outflow obstruction. The procedure usually involves connecting a branch of the brachiocephalic or artery to the pulmonary artery distal to atretic area, with a shunt made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). This procedure directs arterial blood flow to the pulmonary circulation to relieve cyanosis while the infant is waiting for corrective...
Imaging findings OR Procedure details
Three cases of cardiac gated CT scans demonstrating possible delayed complications post a mBTT shunt procedure have been chosen by a cardiac paediatric radiologist and paediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. We have used annotated cardiac gated CT scan images and provided 3-Dimensional (3D) cardiac reconstructions with every case presentation.
There are various complications of mBTT shunt, for many of these CT can provide valuable information about the shunt itself, and its surrounding structures. Complications visible on CT can include pseudoaneurysm formation of brachiocephalic, subclavian, and pulmonary arteries;...
Conclusion
This case series has demonstrated that cardiac CT scans post mBTTs procedure are a viable method of accurately depicting and confirming delayed complications of mBTT shunts.
Personal information
C. O'Brien:
Nothing to disclose
References
Shaikh S, Al-Mukhaini KS, Al-Rawahi AH, Al-Dafie O. Outcomes of Infants Undergoing Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt Procedures in Oman: A retrospective study. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J. 2021;21(3):457-64.