Evaluation of major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs) using three-dimensional CT angiography: two case reports.

Pulmonary atresia (PA) and ventricular septal defect (VSD) are usually associated with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs). Preoperative evaluation of MAPCAs is essential for effective planning of unifocalization. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) with three-dimensional volume rendering (3D-VR) demonstrates MAPCAs as well as conventional angiography. We report two cases of PA and VSD associated with MAPCAs examined pre- and postoperatively by means of angiography and MDCT with the 3D-VR technique. MDCT with the 3D-VR technique had the potential to elucidate all MAPCAs demonstrated by invasive angiography. This technique is useful with preoperative conventional angiography as a standard examination for the planning of staged surgery.