Thoracic Imaging 2003 - Society of Thoracic Radiology

STR tutorial: Use of MD CT reconstruction of cardiovascular
structures: Clinical and classroom
A. Rozenshtein, M.D. and L. Boxt, M.D.
The remarkable gains in scanning speed achieved with the
advent of multidetector CT have allowed radiologists to image
the heart with narrow (3mm or less) collimation, thus enhancing
resolution, minimizing breathing motion, and vastly improving
data sets for multiplanar reconstructions of intrathoracic structures.
At the same time, reliable and user-friendly 3-D reconstruction
software is now available on most PACS systems and
many dedicated workstations. Consequently, 3-D reconstructions
are becoming commonplace in clinical practice.
For several years we have used 3-D reconstruction of data
obtained from multidetector CT examinations of the cardiovascular
system to aid in diagnosis, communicate with the referring
clinicians, and enhance education of fellows, residents and medical
students. In the course of this tutorial we will demonstrate
the use of the multiplanar reconstructions of the heart, great vessels,
and the pulmonary arteries and veins in clinical practice
and classroom.
Heart: understanding complex three-dimensional relationships
of the cardiac chambers, valves, and coronary arteries.
Great vessels: their origins, spatial relationships, and common
variants, such as aberrant subclavian arteries and persistent
left superior vena cava; demonstration of dissections and
aneurysms.
Pulmonary arteries: understanding normal anatomy and common
congenital abnormalities (pulmonary artery agenesis; pulmonic
stenosis); common pitfalls in pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary veins: demonstrating partial anomalous pulmonary
venous return; providing a roadmap for pulmonary
venous ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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WEDNESDAY