Incidental cardiac abnormalities on non-electrocardiogram-gated multi-detector computed tomography imaging of the thorax and abdomen.

Lim KC, Chai F, Teo LS.

Singapore Med J. 2011 Dec;52(12):906-12; quiz 913.

Little attention is usually paid to the heart on non-electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging of the thorax and abdomen. The current MDCT systems have fast scanning capabilities that render non-ECG-gated images with reduced cardiac motion artefacts due to greater temporal and spatial resolution. This has allowed for better evaluation of the cardiac structures. We present a pictorial review of incidental cardiac abnormalities found on MDCT imaging of the thorax and abdomen performed in our institution. We systematically describe abnormalities involving the pericardium, myocardium, cardiac valves, cardiac chambers, coronary artery and congenital heart disease. Some of these images have echocardiograph and magnetic resonance imaging correlation. The purpose of this pictorial essay is to draw attention to cardiac abnormalities found incidentally on non-ECG-gated MDCT imaging of the thorax and abdomen, which may or may not be related to the patient's symptoms.

Correspondence: Teo LN. Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074. emali:lynette_ls_teo@nuhs.edu.sg

Dr Lim KC is currently working in the Department of Radiology, RIPAS Hospital, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.

Article is available free from  http://http://smj.sma.org.sg/5212/5212pe1.pdf