Lymphangiomatosis Involving the Inferior Vena Cava, Heart, Pulmonary Artery and Pelvic Cavity

A 38-year-old woman who had undergone pelvic lymphangioma resection two months previously presented with cough and dyspnea. Transthoracic echocardiography and CT demonstrated the presence of a mixed cystic/solid component tumor involving the inferior vena cava, heart and pulmonary artery. Complete resection of the cardiac tumor was performed and lymphangioma was confirmed based on histopathologic examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of lymphangiomatosis with cardiac and pelvic involvement in the published clinical literature.

Occlusive Myocardial Infarction: Cardiac CT Perfusion in a Rat Model

PURPOSE: To test whether cardiac multidetector CT (MDCT) perfusion imaging can accurately delineate an irreversibly damaged myocardium in animals with an occlusive myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 16 rats, the left anterior descending coronary arteries were ligated distal to its first diagonal artery after a thoracotomy. Thirty minutes after the procedure, 16-slice MDCT (Sensation 16, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) was performed and delayed images were obtained up to 5 minutes after injecting the contrast agent (0.2 mL/100g, 0.5 mL/sec). Ten rats were re-examined one week later. After CT scanning, the rats were sacrificed and their hearts were extirpated for 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) histochemical staining. The stained slices were compared with the CT images. The CT number (HU) of the infarct and non-infarct areas were estimated from the contrast ratio (CR). RESULTS: The CT attenuation in the infarct area was significantly lower than that in the normal myocardium. Quantitative analysis of the CT attenuation revealed a significant difference in the CR and CT attenuation of the infarct and reference areas (0.48+/-0.12 vs 0.64+/-0.13, p<0.05, 163+/-46 HU vs 216+/-56 HU, p<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the CT numbers between the infarct and non-infarct areas on the one-week follow-up. CONCLUSION: A perfusion defect on MDCT indicates the myocardial damage in an animal model with occlusive myocardial infarction.

Early and Delayed Myocardial Enhancement in Myocardial Infarction Using Two-Phase Contrast-Enhanced Multidetector-Row CT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the myocardial enhancement patterns in patients with myocardial infarction using two-phase contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with clinically proven myocardial infarction (17 acute myocardial infarction [AMI] and 6 chronic myocardial infarction [CMI]) were examined with two-phase contrast-enhanced ECG-gated MDCT. The presence, location, and patterns of myocardial enhancement on two-phase MDCT images were compared with infarcted myocardial territories determined by using electrocardiogram, echocardiography, thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography, catheter and MDCT coronary angiography. RESULTS: After clinical assessment, the presence of myocardial infarctions were found in 27 territories (19 AMI and 8 CMI) of 23 patients. Early perfusion defects were observed in 30 territories of all 23 patients. Three territories not corresponding to a myocardial infarction were detected in three patients with AMI and were associated with artifacts. Fourteen of perfusion defects were in the left anterior descending artery territory, four in the left circumflex artery territory, and nine in the right coronary artery territory. Delayed enhancement was observed in 25 territories (17 AMI and 8 CMI) of 21 patients. Delayed enhancement patterns were variable. Transmural early perfusion defects (n =12) were closely associated with transmural late enhancement (n = 5) and subendocardial residual defect with subepicardial late enhancement (n = 5). CONCLUSION: Myocardial infarction showed early perfusion defects and variable delayed enhancement patterns on two-phase contrast-enhanced MDCT. Delayed enhancement technique of MDCT could provide additional information of the location and extent of infarcted myocardium, and could be useful to plan appropriate therapeutic strategies in patients with AMI.

Cardiac Hemangioma of the Left Atrial Appendage Associated with Hepatic Hemangiomas: The CT and Coronary Angiographic Findings

Cardiac hemangioma is a rare benign tumor of the heart. We report here on a case of cardiac hemangioma that originated from the left atrial appendage; this was observed on the CT and coronary angiographic findings and the lesion was pathologically proved.

Coronary CT Angiography: Focus on a New Algorithm as Diagnostic Tool in Routine Clinical Practice

Various invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques have been used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Despite several limitations, coronary CTA may soon emerge as the initial diagnostic modality of choice for patients with suspected coronary artery disease. However, in routine clinical practice, the role of coronary CTA is not clearly defined even though promising diagnostic accuracy has been demonstrated compared with that of the other non-invasive tests. Herein, we suggest a new paradigm for coronary CTA as an emerging diagnostic tool in routine clinical practice on the basis of our experience and published data.

Cardiac Spindle Cell Hemangioma: A Case Report

Spindle cell hemangioma is an uncommon vascular lesion histologically resembling a cavernous hemangioma and Kaposi's sarcoma with a predilection for the extremities. There are no radiologic reports concerning cardiac spindle cell hemangioma in the current literature. We report here a case of cardiac spindle cell hemangioma.

Occlusive Acute Myocardial Infarct on 16 Multidetector-row Helical CT: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the findings and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for diagnosing occlusive acute myocardial infarction in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced in 14 rabbits. MDCT was performed in the early and delay phases at 1 minute and 6 minutes, respectively, after intravenous contrast injection. The rabbits were sacrificed after scanning. The cardiac specimens were sliced and then stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The agreement in the transmural extent of infarction between the MDCT scans and the TTC-stained specimens were analyzed by using kappa values. RESULTS: Acute myocardial infarction was found in 9 of 14 rabbits on the TTC-stained specimens and MDCT. The infarcted myocardium was demonstrated as a low-attenuation area on the early phase and as a central low-attenuation area with rim-like enhancement along the endocardial and pericardial sides of the myocardial wall on the delay phase. There was excellent agreement in the scores of the transmural extent of myocardial infarction between the TTC-stained specimens and the early phase scan (kappa value = 0.882, p = 0.000), and there was fair to good agreement between the TTC-stained specimens and the delay phase scan (kappa value = 0.439, p = 0.000). Microscopic examination of the cardiac specimens revealed necrosis of myocardial cells in the central portion and granulation tissue along the endocardial and pericardial sides of the necrotic myocardium. CONCLUSION: 16 slice MDCT scan was useful for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The early phase scan was more accurate than the delay phase scan for evaluating the transmural extent of myocardial infarction. Histopathologic examination suggested that the low-attenuation area on the delay phase might correspond to necrotic myocardium and the enhanced area might correspond to granulation tissue.

Occlusive Acute Myocardial Infarct on 16 Multidetector-row Helical CT: An Experimental Study in Rabbits

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the findings and diagnostic accuracy of MDCT for diagnosing occlusive acute myocardial infarction in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Myocardial infarction was induced in 14 rabbits. MDCT was performed in the early and delay phases at 1 minute and 6 minutes, respectively, after intravenous contrast injection. The rabbits were sacrificed after scanning. The cardiac specimens were sliced and then stained with triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The agreement in the transmural extent of infarction between the MDCT scans and the TTC-stained specimens were analyzed by using kappa values. RESULTS: Acute myocardial infarction was found in 9 of 14 rabbits on the TTC-stained specimens and MDCT. The infarcted myocardium was demonstrated as a low-attenuation area on the early phase and as a central low-attenuation area with rim-like enhancement along the endocardial and pericardial sides of the myocardial wall on the delay phase. There was excellent agreement in the scores of the transmural extent of myocardial infarction between the TTC-stained specimens and the early phase scan (kappa value = 0.882, p = 0.000), and there was fair to good agreement between the TTC-stained specimens and the delay phase scan (kappa value = 0.439, p = 0.000). Microscopic examination of the cardiac specimens revealed necrosis of myocardial cells in the central portion and granulation tissue along the endocardial and pericardial sides of the necrotic myocardium. CONCLUSION: 16 slice MDCT scan was useful for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. The early phase scan was more accurate than the delay phase scan for evaluating the transmural extent of myocardial infarction. Histopathologic examination suggested that the low-attenuation area on the delay phase might correspond to necrotic myocardium and the enhanced area might correspond to granulation tissue.

16-Slice Multi-Detector Row CT Coronary Angiography: Image Quality and Optimization of the Image Reconstruction Window

PURPOSE: The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the image quality of CT coronary angiography using a 16-slice multi-detector row CT and to determine the optimal image reconstruction window. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT coronary angiography was obtained in 36 nonsymptomatic volunteers using a 16-slice multi-detector row CT (SOMATOM Sensation, Siemens Medical System). The mean heart rates were 70 beats per minute (bpm) or less in 18 persons and more than 70 bpm in 18 persons. Eleven data sets were obtained for each patient (reconstructed at 30-80% of the cardiac cycle with an increment of 5%). Image quality of the eight coronary segments [left main coronary artery (LM), proximal and middle segments of left anterior descending artery (p-LAD, m-LAD) and left circumflex coronary artery (p-LCx, m-LCx) and proximal, middle and distal segments of right coronary artery (p-RCA, m-RCA, d-RCA)] was assessed. RESULTS: The optimal reconstruction windows in the cardiac cycle for the best image quality were 60-70% for the segments of the LM, LAD, and LC arteries in two groups (bpm70) and 55-65% (bpm70) for the segments of the RCA. On the best dataset for each coronary segment, the following diagnostic image quality was achieved in the two groups: LM: 100%, 83%; p-LAD: 100%, 88%; m-LAD: 100%, 72%; p-LCx: 100%, 72%; m-LCx: 100%, 72%; p-RCA: 94%, 72%; m-RCA: 61%, 50%; d-RCA: 100%, 88%. CONCLUSION: The 16 slice multi-detector row CT scan provided visualization of the coronary arteries with high resolution. Especially in the group with a mean heart rate of 70 bpm or less, all the coronary segments except the RCA showed diagnostic image quality. Optimal image quality was achieved with a 60-70% trigger delay for all coronary arterial segments, but the best images of RCA were achieved in the earlier cardiac phase in the patients with a mean heart rate of more than 70 bpm.

Coronary Angiography with Multidetector row Computed Tomography: Part II - Clinical Aspects

An application of the multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) for cardiac imaging is the non-invasive CT angiographic assessment of the cardiac morphology and the coronary arteries. The most important application is for the non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease, and this includes assessment of coronary artery anomaly and stenosis, the evaluation of non-calcified atherosclerotic plaque and the follow-up examinations after stent deployment and bypass surgery. In the study, we have illustrated a variety of diseases of the coronay artery by using MDCT. These may facilitate the understanding of MDCT features of coronary artery lesions.

Coronary Angiography with Multidetector row Computed Tomography: Part I - Technical Aspects

Various invasive and non-invasive imaging techniques have been used for the diagnosis of cardiac disease. The recently introduced multidetector row CT (MDCT) shows rapid scan speed, high temporal resolution and large volume coverage in a single breath-hold. MDCT opens a new horizon for cardiac imaging because noninvasive coronary artery imaging has become feasible using MDCT. In this article, we illustrate the technical aspects of coronary CT angiography using MDCT.

Usefulness of Multidetector-row CT in the Evaluation of Reperfused Myocardial Infarction in a Rabbit Model

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of multidetector-row computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of reperfused myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven rabbits were subjected to 90-min occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery followed by reperfusion. Multidetector-row CT was performed 31 hours+/-21 after the procedure and preand post-contrast multiphase helical CT images were obtained up to 10 min after contrast injection. The animals were sacrificed after 30 days and histochemical staining of the resected specimens was perfomed with 2'3'5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC). RESULTS: In all 11 cases, the areas of myocardial infarction demonstrated with TTC-staining were identified on the CT images and the lesions showed hypoenhancement on the early phases up to 62 sec and hyperenhancement on the delayed phases of 5 min and 10 min compared with normal myocardial enhancement. The percentage area of the lesion with respect to the left ventricle wall on CT was significantly correlated with that of the TTC-staining results (p < 0.001 for both early and delayed phase CT) according to the generalized linear model analysis. The areas showing hypoenhancement on early CT were significantly smaller than those with hyperenhancement on delayed CT (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Multidetector-row CT may be useful in the detection and sizing of reperfused myocardial infarction.

Left Atrial Wall Calcification after Mitral Valve Replacement: CT Findings and Clinical Significance

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings and clinical significance of left atrial wall calcification in patients who had undergone mitral valve replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The unenhanced chest CT scans of 36 consecutive patients who had undergone mitral valve replacement were retrospectively reviewed, and left atrial calcification was found in 15. To determine the clinical significance of this, the CT findings were assessed in terms of the diameter of the left main pulmonary artery, the interval between previous surgery and scanning, and pulmonary arterial pressure. RESULTS: Left atrial wall calcification was either focal (linear, n=7; nodular, n=5), or diffuse (involving at least one-fourth of the left atrial wall) (n=3), and associated left atrial thrombus was found in two patients. Systolic pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly higher in those with calcification than those without (p<0.05), though between these groups there was no significant difference in the diameter of the left main pulmonary artery or the time interval between previous surgery and CT scanning. CONCLUSION: Left atrial wall calcification is a common finding in patients who have undergone mitral valve replacement, particularly in those with high pulmonary arterial pressure.