Cost of a population-based programme of chest x-ray screening for lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: After the implementation of a population-based programme of chest x-ray (CXR) screening on smokers in Varese, Italy, lung cancer (LC) mortality was significantly reduced. Analysis of the incremental costs due to this type of screening programme is needed to evaluate its economic impact on the healthcare system. METHODS: In July 1997 a population-based cohort, consisting of all high-risk smokers (n=5,815) identified among 60,000 adult residents from the Varese province, was invited to a LC screening programme (an annual CXR for five years) in a general practice setting, and was observed through 2006. Invitees received National Health Service (NHS) usual care, with the addition of CXRs in screening participants. At the end of observation, among the 245 LCs diagnosed in the entire screening-invited cohort the observed LC deaths were 38 fewer than expected. To estimate the incremental direct cost due to screening in the invited cohort for the period July 1997-2006, we compared the direct cost of screening administration, CXR screens and LC management in the invited cohort and in the uninvited and unscreened controls in NHS usual care setting. RESULTS: Over the 9.5 years, the total incremental direct healthcare costs (including screening organization/administration, CXR screens, additional procedures prompted by false-positive tests, overdiagnosed LCs) were estimated to range from euro 607,440 to euro 618,370 (in euros as of 2012), equating to between euro 15,985- euro 16,273 per patient out of the 38 LC deaths averted. CONCLUSIONS: In a general practice setting, the incremental cost for a CXR screening programme targeted at all high-risk smokers in a population of 60,000 adults was estimated to be about euro 65,000 per annum, approx. euro 16,000 for each LC death averted.

Removable vena cava filter: single-centre experience with a single device.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety of retrieving both short- and long-term permanent/ retrievable ALN vena cava filters (VCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2002 to 2010, 201 permanent/retrievable VCF were percutaneously placed in 201 patients (age range, 18-80 years). Sixty-seven were placed through the jugular vein, 61 through the brachial vein and 63 through the femoral vein. In 109 patients, the VCF was placed for absolute indications, in 77 for relative indications, and in 15 for temporary filtration. Follow-up was carried out with colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and abdominal X-ray at 3 and 12 months, then annually. Indications for removal included: lack of contraindications to anticoagulant therapy, absence of pulmonary embolism and iliocaval venous patency. All candidates for VCF removal underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA). RESULTS: VCF placement with correct position (tilting up to 15°) was achieved in 99.01% of cases. In two (0.99%) cases, tilting >15° was present. Haematomas, which resolved spontaneously, occurred in only eight jugular access sites. A total of 26 of 201 VCF were removed, with 96.16% technical success. The removal procedure failed in one case only. In seven cases, a double approach through the right jugular and femoral veins was necessary. VCF was removed 6 months after deployment in 11 patients, 12 months in eight, 24 months in four after 36 months in three (range, 180-1,155 days.) There were no periprocedural complications. Of the 26 removed VCF, 21 were infrarenal and five suprarenal. Of the 15 VCF placed for temporary use, 12 were removed; the remaining three not removed owing to persistence of the neoplastic thrombus after nephrectomy for kidney cancer. Of the 186 VCF placed for permanent use, with absolute and relative indications, 14 were removed (4/109 and 10/77, respectively). Only one showed thrombi occluding the cranial end. CONCLUSIONS: VCF removal is certainly more difficult than placement. Technical failure of the removal procedure is directly proportional to the VCF tilt, and the VCF is as yet unable to ensure absolute removal safety, with the result that failure may occasionally occur. The morphological and structural features of permanent/retrievable VCF allow for unlimited time from placement to removal, documented to be up to 3 years after placement.

Radiofrequency ablation for single lung tumours not suitable for surgery: seven years' experience.

PURPOSE: This study was done to review recurrence patterns in patients with lung cancer (primary or secondary) treated with percutaneous image-guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to August 2010, 32 patients (24 with primary non-small-cell lung cancer and eight with metastases) with single lung cancer were treated with RF ablation. Post-treatment imaging results were available for each patient. Follow-up was performed using computed tomography (CT) scans at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after the procedure and annually thereafter. Patterns of recurrence were classified as local, intrapulmonary, nodal, mixed and distant. We evaluated overall survival after RF ablation and the factors associated with recurrence. RESULTS: Seventeen (53.1%) patients showed no evidence of recurrence at follow-up imaging (range 12-72 months; mean, 32.5 months). Recurrence was seen in 15 (46.9 %) patients (range 6-36 months; mean 14.8 months). Local recurrence (40%) after RF ablation was the most frequent. Median disease-free survival was 20 months. Sex, tumour location, tumour size and tumour stage were not associated with a risk of recurrence. Patient age was related to the risk of recurrence (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local recurrence is the most common pattern in our series. A more aggressive initial RF ablation might offer improvement in outcomes, but this hypothesis needs to be confirmed by larger studies involving a larger number of patients.

Suprarenal inferior vena cava filter implantation.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the suprarenal implantation of a retrievable filter in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and renal vein thrombosis (RVT) [extending or not extending to the inferior vena cava (IVC)] undergoing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and May 2010, 13 patients (eight men and five women; mean age 67.08 years, range 38-95) with RCC and RVT associated or not with IVC thrombosis underwent implantation of a retrievable suprarenal IVC filter. All patients underwent computed tomography angiography (CTA), which documented RVT and in some cases its extension to the IVC. The level of IVC involvement by the neoplastic thrombus was evaluated on the basis of the Oto classification. Cavography was performed before and after filter implantation. Surgical resection of RCC was performed in all patients. A CTA scan was performed 1 week before filter removal. RESULTS: The procedure had 100% feasibility. All filters were correctly deployed in the suprarenal tract of the IVC. There was no evidence of peri-or postprocedural complications. All patients were monitored for clinical symptoms of pulmonary embolism (PE). There was no evidence of PE in the 30 days after the procedure. All suprarenal IVC filters were removed from 30 to 60 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of a temporary suprarenal IVC filter is an additional and feasible procedure that can prevent immediate and perioperative PE.

Initial experience with percutaneous biopsies of bone lesions using XperGuide cone-beam CT (CBCT): technical note.

PURPOSE: This paper describes our preliminary experience with percutaneous bone biopsy under XperGuide conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients (11 men and 6 women; mean age 57.8; range 17-81) with 17 bone lesions underwent biopsy with XperGuide CBCT (Philips Medical System, Best, The Netherlands). The mean diameter of the lesions was 2.32 cm (range 1-8 cm). Technical success (defined as the correct positioning of the needle within the lesion), diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were evaluated. Complication rate was also recorded. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. In 15 patients, a sample of adequate material for histopathological analysis to yield a definitive diagnosis was obtained; in two patients, the sample was inadequate for a definitive diagnosis. In one of these two cases, the lesion was closely followed up for 1 year, during which it remained stable in size, and as a result, it was considered a false positive; the other was considered a false negative. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 94.12%, 90.91% and 100%, respectively. No major complications were recorded; only one patient had slight bleeding, with a consequent small haematoma, which reabsorbed in about 15 days. CONCLUSIONS: Bone biopsy under XperGuide CBCT guidance can be considered accurate as a result of the combination of real-time needle orientation and spatial resolution of CT fluoroscopy. Moreover, our results are encouraging in terms of complication rate, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and reduction of CT workload.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as the sole treatment in critically ill and elderly patients.

PURPOSE: This study was done to investigate the effectiveness and clinical outcome of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) of treating acute cholecystitis in critical ill and elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the last 3 years, PC was performed on 30 elderly and critically ill patients (17 men, 13 women; mean age 78.6, range 57-97 years) with acute cholecystitis and comorbid diseases. RESULTS: Technical success was 30/30 (100%). Clinical effectiveness was 30/30 (100%), with statistically significant reductions in while blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and fever. Mean WBC upon admission (19.87×10(3)±1.61×10(3) /µl), axillary temperature (38.2±0.11 °C), and CRP (248.7±4.76 mg/l) values were significantly decreased in the 72 h following PC [12.9×10(3) ± 1.05×10(3)/µl (p≤0.0001), 37 ± 0.04 °C (p≤0.0001), 113.5 ± 3 mg/l (p≤0.0001), respectively]. Clinical and ultrasonographic (US) signs of acute cholecystitis decreased in all patients. There were no major complications or procedure-related deaths, and the morbidity rate was low (3/30; 10%). CONCLUSIONS: PC appears to be a fast, easy and effective treatment for the acute phase of cholecystitis in elderly and critically ill patients. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality rates are very low compared with surgery. Conservative treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery is acceptable.

Upper urinary tract biopsy: an old device for a new approach.

PURPOSE: The authors sought to evaluate the feasibility, diagnostic accuracy and safety of urological biopsy performed using a flexible alligator forceps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with suspected urothelial malignancy underwent retrograde biopsy using a 7-F biopsy forceps (Cordis, Miami, FL, USA). Mild sedation was guaranteed by an anaesthesiologist. The final diagnosis was confirmed by cytohistological data and subsequently by pathology findings at surgery. Lesions with benign histopathology were closely monitored for at least 12 months. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 92.6%. The high diagnostic accuracy was related to the positive correspondence between histological outcomes and surgical results or follow-up observations. As regards sample site, the procedure was less successful in calyceal lesions than in lesions located in the upper urinary tract, with a technical success of 71.43%. Twenty patients had asymptomatic haematuria in the early hours after the procedure; ten of them had mild dysuria. No one require medication, and no major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Urological forceps biopsy is a safe and easy procedure. It provides a relatively high level of accuracy in the diagnosis of lesions of the upper urinary tract.

Report of four simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplants in HIV-positive recipients with favorable outcomes.

The advent of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) dramatically changed the view of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection as an exclusion criterion for solid organ transplantation, resulting in worldwide reports of successful transplants in HIV-infected individuals. However, there are few reports on simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant in HIV-positive recipients detailing poor outcomes. A series of four pancreas-kidney transplant performed on HIV-infected individuals between 2006 and 2009 is presented. All recipients reached stably undetectable HIV-RNA after transplantation. All patients experienced early posttransplant infections (median day 30, range 9-128) with urinary tract infections and bacteremia being most commonly observed. In all cases, surgical complications led to laparotomic revisions (median day 18, range 1-44); two patients underwent cholecystectomy. One steroid-responsive acute renal rejection (day 79) and one pancreatic graft failure (month 64) occurred. Frequent dose adjustments were required due to interference between cART and immunosuppressants. At a median follow-up of 45 months (range, 26-67) we observed 100% patient survival with CD4 cell count >300 cells/mm(3) for all patients. Although limited by its small number, this case series represents the largest reported to date with encouraging long-term outcomes in HIV-positive pancreas-kidney transplant recipients.

Endovascular treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: aorto-uni-iliac or bifurcated endograft?

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the safety and technical and clinical success rates of positioning endovascular endografts (EG) in ruptured abdominal aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm confirmed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) were eligible for the analysis. Of 67 patients, 42 (62.7%) were treated with EG. Thirteen patients (30.9%) received an aorto-uni-iliac EG (group A) and 29 a bifurcated EG (group B). Patients were divided for comparative analysis according to the configuration of the EG implanted. RESULTS: The primary technical success rate was 100%; the primary clinical success rate was 95% (40/42). There were two intraoperative deaths (4.7%) related to intractable shock. No patient required conversion to open repair. Overall, 12 patients (28.5%) died within 30 days. The in-hospital death rate was 30.9% (13/42). Hospital mortality rate was statistically higher in group A; the type of EG and intensive care unit admission were the only independent predictors of hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, a higher mortality rate was observed for the aorto-uni-iliac configuration; shock at admission was confirmed as the most important factor for postoperative survival.

Complications of microwave and radiofrequency lung ablation: personal experience and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Complications correlated with percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) of lung tumours were retrospectively reviewed to compare them with data from the literature and to assess risk factors related with the procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to January 2009, 29 patients (36 lung lesions) were treated with RFA; from January 2007 to January 2009, 16 patients (17 lung lesions) were treated with MWA. Complications recorded at our institution are reported following the Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. A systematic review of the literature was performed. RESULTS: Any major complication of RFA or MWA was recorded. In agreement with the literature, pneumothorax was the most frequent complication, even though the incidence in our series was lower than reported in the literature (3.5% vs. 4.3-18%). Other complications of RFA were pleural effusion and subcutaneous emphysema. No massive haemorrhages, haemoptysis, abscesses, pneumonia, infections or tumour seeding were recorded in our series. The most common complication of MWA was pneumothorax (25% vs. 39% reported in the literature). Pleural effusion was a common reaction, but therapeutic drainage was never required. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumothorax is the most common complication of both techniques. RFA and MWA are both excellent choices in terms of safety and tolerance.

Vitamin D deficiency in septic patients at ICU admission is not a mortality predictor.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D is involved in immune regulation in humans. Vitamin D serum deficiency is reported to be common in hospitalized patients, especially among Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels in septic patients and outcome. METHODS: A total of 170 patients were studied, of which 92 were severe sepsis/septic shock patients, and 72 were major trauma patients, as an age-matched control group. Exclusion criteria were: age <18 years (y), malnutrition state, pregnancy, breast feeding, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, pathologies affecting bone and calcium metabolism, vitamin D metabolism derangement for therapy, hematological and solid malignancies, and HIV. Vitamin D levels were measured by radioimmunoassay at admission. RESULTS: Median vitamin D levels at admission to ICU were 10.1 ng/mL in the sepsis group and 18.4 ng/mL in the trauma group (P<0.0001). In univariate analysis, mortality rate in septic patients was significantly correlated with age, gender, SAPS II, vitamin D level at admission, duration of mechanical ventilation, and ICU/hospital length of stay, however, the multivariate logistic regression model confirmed significance only for age. CONCLUSION: In our cohort, septic patients showed a significantly lower vitamin D level than trauma patients in comparison to age cohort patients with the same demographic/clinical characteristics, but no clear relationship between vitamin D level and outcome was found. Further studies with larger samples are needed to clarify the prognostic role of vitamin D and nutraceutical interventions in critically ill patients.

Ultrasound-guided thermal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an adjunct to systemic chemotherapy for breast cancer liver metastases.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) of liver metastases from breast cancer and its impact on survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen female patients (age range 36-82 years; median 54.5 years) underwent RFA for the treatment of 21 liver metastases from breast cancer. The procedures were performed under ultrasound (US) guidance using an RF 2000 or RF 3000 generator system and Le Veen monopolar needle electrodes. Follow-up was carried out by computed tomography (CT) after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Technical success was 100%. No major or minor complications occurred at the end of the procedure. In our series, 7/21 lesions in 7/13 patients increased in size at 7, 18, 19 and 38 months. This resulted in a mean disease-free interval of 16.6 months. Mean overall survival after RFA was 10.9 months. CONCLUSIONS: RFA appears to be a useful adjunct to systemic chemotherapy and/or hormone therapy in the locoregional treatment of hepatic metastases from breast cancer. RFA may also be a less invasive alternative to surgery in the locoregional treatment of liver metastases from breast cancer.

Recanalisation of thrombotic arterial occlusions with rotational thrombectomy.

PURPOSE: This study sought to assess the effectiveness of rotational thrombectomy (RT) with the Rotarex device in the treatment of thrombotic occlusions in native arteries, by-pass grafts, stents and stent-grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over the last 4 years, 22 patients (14 men and 8 women; mean age 62.6 years) affected by 5 acute (<14 days) thrombotic occlusions of the native arteries (4 plaque thromboses in the common iliac artery and one on a dissection intimal flap of the external iliac artery), 17 subacute and chronic thromboses affecting 4 femoro-popliteal by-pass grafts, 10 stents (7 in the common iliac artery and 3 in the superficial femoral artery) and 3 stents-grafts were studied. Acute thromboses of native arteries were follow-up with colour-Doppler ultrasound (US) examination at 1 and 3 months. Subacute and chronic thrombotic occlusions were follow-up with colour-Doppler US examination at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Immediate technical success was achieved without any need for additional procedures in all acute occlusions of native arteries (4/22 cases). In the subacute and chronic occlusions, the procedure was completed with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) (8/22), cutting balloon (6/22) and stenting (5/22). The complication rate was 4.8% (1 rupture of the external iliac artery repaired with a stent-graft). CONCLUSIONS: Arterial recanalisation with RT is the treatment of choice for acute thrombosis of healthy native arteries (4-7 mm); the treatment of thrombosis complicating calcified plaques or dissection intimal flaps may cause rupture of the arterial wall. In subacute and chronic occlusions of by-pass grafts, stents and stent grafts, additional procedures are necessary to achieve complete recanalisation.

"Full metal jacket" with direct stenting of complete chronic occlusions of the superficial femoral artery.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the short- and midterm patency of complete total occlusions of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) treated with direct stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two consecutive patients (36 men and 16 women; mean age 73.6 years; range 58-85) with chronic complete SFA occlusion and good distal run-off (two or three patent vessels) underwent endovascular recanalisation by direct stenting. All patients were symptomatic (severe claudication or critical ischaemia). Recanalisation was achieved by using a contralateral approach in 44 patients and an ipsilateral antegrade access in eight patients. A total of 152 nitinol stents were used: three stents in 32 cases, four stents in eight cases and two stents in 12 cases. Follow-up consisted of clinical evaluation and colour Doppler ultrasound at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. RESULTS: The immediate technical success rate was 100%, with complete SFA recanalisation documented on postprocedural angiography. Four cases of distal embolism occurred, which were treated successfully with intra-arterial thrombolysis. During the follow-up, 12 reocclusions were observed: eight were treated with mechanical thrombectomy and in-stent angioplasty, and four were converted into femoropopliteal bypasses. The primary patency rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 92.3%, 76.9%, 69.2% and 69.2%, respectively. The secondary patency rates at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months were 100%, 100%, 92.3% and 92.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous treatment of chronic complete SFA occlusions yielded good primary and secondary patency rates in the short and medium term, with few periprocedural complications. Reocclusions were treated using the percutaneous technique, which guarantees a good secondary patency rate.

Recurrence of intracardiac large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) encasing and nearly obliterating the right coronary artery: a case report.

Among malignant tumors of the heart, primary malignant lymphomas are unusual and they are typically non-Hodgkin's B-cell cancers. A 73-year-old man affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) treated with four cycle of chemotherapy and radiotherapy was admitted to the Emergency Department for chest pain. Echocardiography showed a mass inside the right ventricle obstructing blood outflow in the pulmonary artery. The ECG-gated angio-multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examination confirmed a solid mass in the right ventricle encasing the proximal-middle tract of the right coronary artery (RCA); RCA stenosis was confirmed by coronary angiography. After trans-thoracic CT-guided biopsy the mass was characterized as a recurrence of NHL and the patient started a new cycle of chemotherapy. After 15 days a MDCT exam showed both mass reduction and absence of RCA significant stenosis. MDCT imaging allows an accurate assessment of tumour extension and it represents an useful guide during biopsy procedures, necessary for a precise histological characterization of neoplasms.

Microwave ablation therapy for treating primary and secondary lung tumours: technical note.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of microwave ablation (MWA) in nine patients with unresectable lung tumour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten lesions were treated in ten ablation sessions in nine patients. The treatments were performed with a microwave generator with 45 W and 915 MHz connected to a 14.5-gauge antenna for 10 min. Antenna placement was performed with computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy guidance or XperGuide. All patients underwent CT follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months from the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success was obtained in all cases; mortality at 30 days was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that in selected patients, MWA is a valid alternative to other ablative techniques. Further studies are required to demonstrate the short- and long-term effects of this technique and to make a comparison with other available ablation systems, especially with radiofrequency.

Hybrid treatment of isolated aortic arch aneurysms.

PURPOSE: This study sought to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of hybrid treatment of isolated aortic arch aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between December 2000 and December 2006, we selected 14 patients affected by 14 isolated aortic arch aneurysms. All patients had involvement of the left subclavian artery, four of the innominate artery and four of the left carotid artery. All patients underwent intentional exclusion of the left subclavian artery and placement of a straight graft; four patients underwent supra-aortic vessel transposition and four underwent carotid-carotid bypass in one case combined with carotid-subclavian bypass. The procedures were planned with multislice computed tomography (MSCT), in some cases associated with virtual endoscopy. The follow-up was performed with MSCT angiography at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months and yearly thereafter. RESULTS: Immediate technical success was achieved in 100% of cases. There were four ischaemic attacks (three transient ischaemic attacks and one stroke). During follow-up (range 12-48, average 21 months), we observed two type-I endoleaks that were treated by endograft extension, in one case associated with supra-aortic vessel transposition, and two type-II endoleaks that were treated with embolisation. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid treatment for aortic arch aneurysms is feasible and provides good short-term results, although it requires accurate planning. Further studies are needed to verify the long-term results.

MDCT evaluation of the cardiac venous system.

PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) for the assessment of the coronary venous system and detection of its anatomical variants, in order to identify those suitable for lead placement in cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively examined the coronary MDCT studies of 89 patients (73 males, 16 females, average age 62.5 years, range 31-79) referred for suspected coronary artery disease. The cardiac venous system was assessed in all patients using three-dimensional (3D) postprocessing on a dedicated Vitrea workstation (five patients were excluded from the analysis). RESULTS: The coronary sinus, the great cardiac vein, the anterior interventricular vein and the middle cardiac vein were visualised in all cases. The lateral cardiac vein was visualised in 56/84 patients (67%) and the posterior cardiac vein in 63/84 patients (75%), never both missing. Along the postero-lateral wall of the left ventricle, only one branch was present in 44 cases, two branches in 21 cases and three or more branches in 19/84 cases (22%). Evaluation of the maximum diameter revealed that the lateral vein was dominant over the posterior vein in 20/40 cases. The small cardiac vein was visualised in 11/84 cases. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT provides good depiction of the cardiac venous system, enabling the study of the vessel course and the identification of anatomical variants. Hence, this imaging technique could be proposed for the preoperative planning of CRT in selected patients.