MDCT Angiography of the Extremities in Pediatric Patients: Initial Experience

Multi-slice CT (MSCT) angiography for assessment of traumatic lesions of lower limbs peripheral arteries

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography for the assessment of traumatic lesions involving the arteries of the lower limbs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-seven patients with suspected arterial post-traumatic lesions of lower limbs underwent MSCT angiography (4 x 2.5-mm collimation, 3-mm slice width). The standards of reference were: digital subtraction angiography (DSA; patients with inconclusive/doubtful or positive MSCT angiography indicating a need for intravascular treatment), surgical findings (patients with positive MSCT angiography indicating a need for surgery), or clinical/investigational follow-up (patients with negative MSCT angiography and no need for further diagnostic procedures or surgery).

RESULTS

All CT exams were technically adequate. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of MSCT angiography were 96.3, 90, and 93.6%, respectively, relative to the reference of standard findings. In 44 out of 47 patients, MSCT angiography allowed a correct continuation of the diagnostic work-up.

CONCLUSION

MSCT angiography is a reliable fast tool for diagnosing traumatic vascular lesions, providing results comparable to DSA.

Paediatric multidetector CT angiography: spectrum of congenital thoracic vascular anomalies

Multidetector row CT (MDCT) is a non-invasive and rapid technique used for the evaluation of paediatric vascular diseases as an alternative to conventional angiography. Three-dimensional (3D) images allow excellent display of vascular anomalies that can be used as a vascular road map by surgeons. The aim of this pictorial review is to demonstrate diagnostic MDCT angiographic findings of various congenital thoracic vascular anomalies in paediatric patients. It is important to recognize these anomalies early for proper treatment and follow-up, and also to prevent morbidities and mortalities.