Abstract
Objective: To analyze the efficacy and accuracy of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CCT) in the detection and diagnosis of congenital cardiovascular diseases across different age groups and clinical contexts, comparing this technology with other imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and echocardiography. Methods: An integrative review study using 10 articles from the PubMed Central (PMC) database, published between 2019 and 2024, addressing the use of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (CCT) in the diagnosis of congenital cardiovascular diseases. Results: CCT proved to be an essential tool for the early diagnosis of cardiac malformations, offering higher accuracy compared to other imaging methods. The selected studies showed that CCT provides rapid and detailed diagnoses, aiding in surgical planning and improving clinical outcomes, especially in children. However, radiation exposure and limited access to this technology in some healthcare contexts are highlighted as challenges. Conclusion: CCT is an effective technology for diagnosing congenital cardiovascular diseases, but radiation exposure and cost are limiting factors. Future studies should focus on strategies to minimize these challenges and expand access to CCT.
References
BATOUTY NM, et al. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of congenital thoracic systemic venous anomalies. Pediatric Radiology, 2023; 53(5): 1005-1018.
BEDAYAT A, et al. CT evaluation of unrepaired/incidental congenital cardiovascular diseases in adults. Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, 2021; 102(4): 213-224.
EPSTEIN R, et al. Trends in cardiac CT utilization for patients with pediatric and congenital heart disease: A multicenter survey study. Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, 2024; 18(3): 267-273.
FRESSE KW, et al. Cardiac computed tomography angiography in the paediatric population: expert consensus from the Filiale de cardiologie pédiatrique et congénitale (FCPC) and the Société française d’imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV). Archives of cardiovascular diseases, 2020; 113(8-9): 579-586.
GAROT P, et al. Value of FEops HEARTguide patient-specific computational simulations in the planning of left atrial appendage closure with the Amplatzer Amulet closure device: rationale and design of the PREDICT-LAA study. Open heart, 2020; 7: 1326.
GOO HW, et al. Pattern Analysis of Left Ventricular Remodeling Using Cardiac Computed Tomography in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: Preliminary Results. Korean Journal or Radiology, 2020; 21(6): 717-725.
GOO HW, et al. Pediatric Cardiothoracic CT Guideline Provided by the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging Congenital Heart Disease Study Group: Part 2. Contemporary Clinical Applications. Korean Journal of Radiology, 2021; 22(8): 1397-1415.
GUO C, et al. Diagnostic accuracy of multi-slice computed tomography in children with Abernethy malformation. BMC Medical Imaging, 2019; 19: 1-8.
HADEED K, et al. Feasibility and accuracy of printed models of complex cardiac defects in small infants from cardiac computed tomography. Pediatric Radiology, 2021; 51(11): 1983-1990.
HAN BK, et al. Cardiovascular imaging trends in congenital heart disease: a single center experience. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr. 2013; 7(6): 361-6.
KHAYATA M, et al. Case series, contemporary review and imaging guided diagnostic and management approach of congenital pericardial defects. Open Heart 2020; 7: 1103.
KRAVCHENKO D, et al. Image quality and radiation dose of dual source high pitch computed tomography in pediatric congenital heart disease. Scientific Reports, 2022; 12(1): 9934.
MAEDA E, et al. Comparison of image quality between synthetic and patients' electrocardiogram-gated 320-row pediatric cardiac computed tomography. Pediatric Radiology, 2020; 50: 180-187.
PAPAZOGLOU AS, et al. Current clinical applications and potential perspective of micro-computed tomography in cardiovascular imaging: A systematic scoping review. Hellenic Journal of Cardiology, 2021; 62(6): 399-407.
RAMIREZ-SUAREZ KI, et al. Optimizing neonatal cardiac imaging (magnetic resonance/computed tomography). Pediatr Radiol, 2022; 52(4): 661-675.
SACHDEVA S e GUPTA SK. Imaging modalities in congenital heart disease. The Indian Journal of Pediatrics, 2020; 87(5): 385-397.
SAMYN MM. A review of the complementary information available with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and multi-slice computed tomography (CT) during the study of congenital heart disease. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging, 2004; 20(6): 569-78.
SCHINDLER P, et al. Cardiac CT in the preoperative diagnostics of neonates with congenital heart disease: radiation dose optimization by omitting test bolus or bolus tracking. Academic Radiology,2020; 27(5): 102-108.
STALHAMMAR F, et al. Photon‐counting computed tomography for pediatric congenital heart defects yields images of high diagnostic quality with low radiation doses at both 70 kV and 90 kV. Pediatric Radiology, 2024; 54: 1187–1196.
ZIELIŃSKI P, et al. Is there any role for computed tomography imaging in anticipating the functional status in adults late after total cavopulmonary connection? A retrospective evaluation. Kardiologia Polska, 2019; 77(11): 1062-1069.
