Simoni G, Cittadini G Jr, Perrone R, Conzi R, Baiardi A, Resasco M
Clinica Chirurgica B, Universita degli Studi, Genova.
Title
Preoperative imaging of aneurysms of the abdominal
aorta. Role of CT scan. [Article in Italian]
Source
Minerva Cardioangiol 1996 Jun;44(6):275-279
Abstract
The reliability of helical CT as sole preoperative diagnostic technique for
abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and its accuracy in detecting vascular
anomalies in the abdominal region was evaluated retrospectively in 42
patients with asymptomatic AAA > 40 mm. A single breath-holding helical
scan was performed with 5 mm slice thickness, during a single injection of
contrast medium, resulting in a 20 cm z-axis coverage. Axial images were
reconstructed and used to generate high quality multiplanar reformatted
images. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was performed in the first 18
patients and then in case of associated peripheral vascular disease (6
patients). Helical CT exactly showed, in all cases, the proximal and distal
extent of the AAA. The visceral vessels as well as the inferior vena cava and
renal veins were always clearly depicted, showing anatomical variants or
pathological involvement in 19 patients. DSA gave sufficient details on the
distal run-off but did not allow a reliable visualization of the visceral
branches, venous anomalies and true extent of AAA. In our experience helical
CT should be considered as the sole method for preoperative imaging of AAA.
It allows a complete and precise evaluation; it is fast, with low doses of
radiations and does not require hospitalization.