Correlations between selected parameters of nasal cavity in neonates and young infants - computed tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Correlations between selected metric parameters of the nasal cavity and nasopharynx in children without atresia may be useful for anticipating probable dimensions of this region in living subjects, in terms of changes with age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty children, age range 0-3 years, were divided into five age groups, and measurements of 18 distances between structures of nasal cavity and nosopharynx were performed on computed tomography scans. Correlation coefficients and relations between parameters have been determined. RESULTS: Our study confirmed the existence of statistically significant correlations between linear dimensions within nasal cavity in children. The analysis demon-strated that for the values of following indexes: nasal septum length/piriform aperture width, and maximum length of the nasal septum/posterior nares width no statistically significant differences have been noted between age groups of children. All correlations have been positive. No statistically significant differences have been noted between the maximum width of the vomer and osseous parameters measured, both in the anterior and posterior part of the nasal cavity, and nasal septum length. CONCLUSIONS: The size of posterior nares changed with age in children by a constant value. So far, no such an analysis has been carried out assessing potential correlations between linear dimensions for the entire nasal cavity, nasopharynx, length of the nasal septum in children, as well as proportions of individual linear dimensions of the anatomical structures analysed, in various age groups.

Computed tomography in the evaluation of the anomalous origin of the coronary artery: coexistence with other congenital heart disease in an adult population.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anomalous origin of the coronary artery in cardiac computed tomography (CT) and to evaluate its coexistence with other congenital heart disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 7,115 patients, who underwent 64-slice or dual source cardiac CT in the years 2005-2011 were screened for the presence of anomalous origin of the coronary artery. RESULTS: Anomalous origin of coronary artery was found in 62 (0.87%) patients (34 males, mean age 57.4 ± 15.1 years). Anomalous aortic and pulmonary origin of coronary artery concerned 59 (0.83%) and 3 (0.04%) cases, respectively. Concomitant heart defects were observed in 5 (0.07%) patients, all with anomalous aortic origin of coronary artery. Malformations included transposition of great arteries (4 patients) and single ventricle in (1 patient). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of anomalous origin of a coronary artery in cardiac CT is similar to invasive coronary angiography. In an adult population the vast majority of those anomalies are isolated abnormalities without concomitant other congenital heart defects.

Results of endovascular treatment of aneurysms depending on their size, volume and coil packing density.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In contrast to neurosurgery, which is more efficient, endovascular treatment (EVT) is less invasive. The main purpose of EVT is complete occlusion of the aneurysm and protection from subarachnoid haemorrhage. Accurate measurements of the aneurysm (size, volume) obtained using a 3D digital subtraction angiography (DSA) workstation can assist in the proper assessment of coil packing density (CPD), which affects possible distant recanalization. The main disadvantage of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms compared to neurosurgery is the high recurrence rate. We evaluated the results of endovascular treatment of aneurysms depending on their size, volume and coil packing density. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with intracranial aneurysms underwent endovascular embolization with bare platinum coils. Three-dimensional DSA was used to evaluate aneurysms' morphology. Eighteen patients underwent 3D DSA follow-up 6-45 months after treatment. Initial and follow-up results of embolization were assessed with the Raymond-Montreal scale. The impact of aneurysms' morphology, volume and initial CPD on endovascular treatment was evaluated. RESULTS: Among 35 patients, complete initial embolization was achieved in 74%. Mean initial aneurysm volume in 3D DSA was 0.517 mL and decreased significantly after embolization. Initial CPD varied from 74% to 2% depending on aneurysm diameter (12.1% for aneurysms ≥ 10 mm, 22.5% for aneurysms < 10 mm). Results of embolization on the Raymond-Montreal scale significantly depended on aneurysms' CPD. Aneurysms' recanalization rate on 3D DSA follow-up was 36%, with complete recanalization in 3.3%. CONCLUSIONS: We can achieve a better outcome if size and volume of the aneurysm sac is smaller and if CPD is higher.