Evaluation of Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries in Neonates with Congenital Heart Defects Using Dual Source Computed Tomography

Abstract

Background: We studied usefulness and safety of dual source computed tomography （DSCT）angiography examination for the diagnosis of neonates with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries （MAPCA）.
Methods: Six neonates with MAPCAs associated with pulmonary atresia were included in this study. Number of MAPCAs detected by DSCT angiography during neonatal period was compared with that detected by DSCT angiography or cardiac catheter examination at the time of unifocalization （UF）. In order to minimize radiation exposure， we also evaluated the estimated effective dose of each DSCT angiography.
Result: The median DSCT scan time was 2.7 （0.4-4.7）seconds and the median estimated effective dose was 2.1 （0.6-6.2）mSv. Twenty-one out of 23 MAPCAs （91%）were detected with DSCT. Although the morphological traits of MAPCAs were complicated and tortuous, we were able to evaluate the spatial relationships between MAPCAs, trachea, and bronchus very precisely. There were no significant complications during the DSCT examinations. Because of the early and precise detection of MAPCSs in neonatal period, cardiac catheter examinations were not necessary until 7.1 （6.9-9.2）months after birth.
Conclusion: Detection and spatial evaluation of MAPCAs using DSCT angiography was safely and satisfactorily performed in neonates. DSCT angiography in neonatal period is useful in planning and designing the future unifocalization of MAPCAs.