Complex congenital cardiovascular anomalies evaluated by continuous-rotation computed tomography in children.

The slip ring and nutate/rotate configuration of the new, fourth-generation, computed tomography (CT) (TCT-900S, Toshiba Medical Company) makes it possible to scan consecutively 25 slices every 75 s. This scanner also rapidly provides hemodynamic and multiplanar reconstruction images. Studies were performed on 13 children with various forms of complex congenital cardiovascular anomalies. The findings correlated very well with those by angiocardiography and echocardiography. But the cardiac valves were difficult to scan, and combined use with echocardiography was considered to be indispensable. The rapid multiplanar reconstruction imaging is very effective in depicting coarctation of the aortic isthmus, ductus arteriosus, and hypoplasia of the great arteries in newborns and infants who have small target regions. Cine-displays of such images can clearly show ventricular and atrial septal defects. This new CT system proved effective in diagnosing complex congenital cardiovascular anomalies even in young infants.