Comparative Study between Cardiac Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Assessment of Cavopulmonary Anastomoses

Abstract

Multi-slice computed tomography angiography is the gold standard imaging modality to evaluate the patency of Glenn shunt and the presence of veno–veno collaterals. The goal of this study is to evaluate the ability of two cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to assess the patency of Glenn shunt and the presence of veno–veno collaterals compared to MSCT angiography. Patients with Glenn shunt had MSCT angiography and cardiac MRI using two techniques: TWIST and 3D post-contrast whole heart techniques. MSCT angiography and cardiac MRI images were post-processed for quantitative and qualitative assessment of Glenn shunt and veno–veno collaterals. Our study included 29 patients (17 male, 59%) with Glenn shunt, the median age was 22 years (range 3–36 years). 3D post-contrast whole heart images give similar results compared to MSCT angiography results in the evaluation of Glenn shunt and veno–veno collaterals, 100% agreement in Glenn shunt visualization and agreement was 86.2% in the detection of veno–veno collaterals. While TWIST showed lower agreement compared to MSCT angiography results, 87.5% agreement in Glenn shunt visualization and percent agreement was 68.9% in the detection of veno–veno collaterals.