Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc
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Review Case Reports
Multisection CT evaluation of the reoperative cardiac surgery patient.
Development of electrocardiographically (ECG) gated multisection computed tomography (CT) has had a significant, immediate impact in cardiovascular imaging. The capabilities of this new technique have become particularly important in the preoperative assessment of the cardiac surgery patient. Cardiac surgery in the 21st century has become increasingly complex because of an aging population needing multiple procedures. ⋯ Proximity of the aorta, pulmonary artery, and native coronary arteries to the sternum is an important potential cause of morbidity and mortality, and it can be preoperatively assessed with multisection CT. The advancement of ECG gating has enabled accurate assessment of the coronary arteries, which is particularly important in the preoperative identification of congenital and acquired abnormalities. With continued advances, ECG-gated multisection CT will play an increasingly important role in the evaluation of patients with cardiovascular disease.