The Potential Benefit of Multi- Detector Computed Tomography for The Diagnosis of Pediatric Congenital Heart Diseases

Abstract

Background: For the diagnosis of congenital heart disorders (CHDs), echocardiography and catheter angiography are the two main cardiac imaging techniques. Yet, each modality has its limitations and drawbacks. Modern developments in multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) methods have been made in response to the rising frequency of CHDs. These techniques aid in the confirmation of the diagnosis, offer more specific information about the CHDs, and aid in the preoperative evaluation. Objective: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the potential benefit of MDCT for the diagnosis of pediatric CHDs. Patients and methods: A prospective study included 100 patients of pediatric age group presented to Radiology Department at Zagazig and Menoufia Universities by different clinical picture. All patients underwent MDCT and echocardiography (either transthoracic or transesophageal), while only 40 patients underwent invasive catheterization/operation. Results: MDCT was superior to echo in detecting sinus Venus and unroof coronary atrial septal defect (ASD) while echo was superior in other types, Echo detected ventricular septal defects (VSD) in 43 cases while MDCT in 37cases. MDCT was superior in detection pseudo-coarctation, major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAS), peripheral pulmonary stenosis, venous anomalies as well as coronary arteries anomalies. The agreement between MDCT and echo was very good in truncus arteriosus, good in aortic coarctation, moderate in aortic arch abnormalities and left SVC while being fair in persistent left SVC and anomalous pulmonary venous return (APVR). Conclusion: An important non-invasive diagnostic method for assessing congenital cardiac and extra cardiac great vessels is MDCT. Cardiovascular MDCT is an adjunct to cardiac echocardiography, particularly in complicated heart problems.