This study presents the novel vascular application of rapid prototyping to pediatric congenital heart disease. Anatomic models are an intuitive means of communicating complex imaging data, such as the pulmonary vascular tree, which can be referenced intraoperatively.
Two cases of pericardial abscess were identified preoperatively using two-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography (CT). In one patient the diagnosis was confirmed by needle aspiration of pus under CT guidance. Findings in both cases were similar, which suggests a common pathogenetic mechanism. Because purulent pericardial fluid collections are an uncommon condition associated with a high mortality, early echocardiography and if necessary CT should be performed, as prompt institution of appropriate therapy is the best hope for decreasing mortality.
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