Altered intravascular contrast material flow dynamics: clues for refining thoracic CT diagnosis.

The ability of helical thoracic CT to acquire data rapidly has enabled radiologists to use the dynamics of contrast medium flow more effectively to diagnose subtle abnormalities. In general, these abnormal flow dynamics manifest in two ways: diverted hyperdense venous opacification and an altered temporal relationship of vascular opacification. When observed, these findings serve as clues for the detection of elusive anatomic and physiologic abnormalities.