Spiral CT and 3D image reconstruction of vascular rings and associated tracheobronchial anomalies.

OBJECTIVE

Spiral CT (SCT) angiography and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction methods represent noninvasive tools in diagnosis of vascular rings and associated tracheobronchial anomalies in the pediatric age group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three patients suspected on clinical and conventional radiological grounds of having vascular and tracheobronchial anomalies were examined using SCT. Three-dimensional images were reconstructed using a surface rendering technique.

RESULTS

In one case the diagnosis of complete double aortic arch was confirmed by angiography. In the other two patients the SCT and 3D reconstruction established the diagnosis of pulmonary sling and right aortic arch associated with left aberrant subclavian artery and angiography could be avoided.

CONCLUSION

Spiral CT and color-coded 3D reconstruction represent important additional tools and perhaps alternatives to angiography or other noninvasive techniques used in evaluation of vascular anomalies of the thoracic aorta and pulmonary arteries in infants and children.