Key result
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) using multidetector-row computed tomographic units offers new diagnostic opportunities for evaluating the thoracic cardiovascular system in companion animals.
This review summarizes the technical and practical aspects of thoracic cardiovascular CTA in companion animals, highlighting its diagnostic opportunities and challenges.
CTA may aid thoracic cardiovascular evaluation in companion animals; leaves open the need for outcome-based validation studies.
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the thoracic cardiovascular system is offering new diagnostic opportunities in companion animal patients with the increasing availability of multidetector-row computed tomographic (MDCT) units in veterinary facilities. Optimal investigation of the systemic, pulmonary, and coronary circulation provides unique challenges due to the constant movement of the heart, the small size of several of the structures of interest, and the dependence of angiographic quality on various contrast bolus design and patient factors. Technical and practical aspects of thoracic cardiovascular CTA are reviewed in light of the currently available veterinary literature and future opportunities given utilizing MDCT in companion animal patients with suspected thoracic cardiovascular disease.
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Drees et al. (2014) conducted a review in Suspected thoracic cardiovascular disease in companion animals. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) was evaluated. Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) using multidetector-row computed tomographic units offers new diagnostic opportunities for evaluating the thoracic cardiovascular system in companion animals.
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