Detection of pulmonary and coronary artery anomalies in tetralogy of Fallot using non-ECG-gated CT angiography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of non-ECG-gated computed tomography (CT) angiography to describe pulmonary and coronary defects in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out on TOF patients having undergone pre-operative non-ECG-gated CT angiography between February 2007 and September 2012. The following clinical parameters were recorded: mean age at CT angiography, sex, the existence of genetic disease and the need to sedate the patient prior to CT angiography. CT data were analyzed retrospectively to determine the site(s) of pulmonary stenosis (infundibular, valvular or arterial), the size of pulmonary arteries and the presence of anomalous coronary artery courses. CT findings were then compared to the anatomy observed during surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were included in the study. The mean age was 4.30±1.91months (boys/girls=17/18). Two patients had associated chromosome disorders (one 22q11 microdeletion and one CHARGE syndrome). Sixteen patients (45.71%) were sedated prior to CT. Pulmonary artery assessment revealed 24 patients (68.57%) with infundibular stenosis, 5 (17.5%) with infundibular and/or valvular stenosis, and 6 (21%) with anomalous pulmonary arteries. CT angiography also evidenced anomalous coronary arteries in 8 patients (22.85%). CONCLUSION: Due to its reduced scanning time and high spatial resolution, non-ECG-gated CT angiography is a non-invasive imaging modality that provides accurate information on pulmonary and coronary artery anatomy in patients with TOF.

Granulomatous cheilitis of Miescher: the diagnostic proof for a Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS) is a very rare clinical entity and its classical form is being characterized by the following triad: facial nerve palsy, swelling of the lips and fissured tongue. However, the monosymptomatic form is more common and the typical manifestation is facial edema and/or enlargement of the lips. CASE REPORT: We report a case of monosymptomatic MRS with a positive biopsy of granulomatous cheilitis. CONCLUSIONS: In the daily practice as a pediatrician, it is not usual to diagnose a patient as having MRS. We consider that this is partly because of misdiagnosis. We therefore believe that this case report will supply additional information, in the scope of recurrent facial paralysis and orofacial edema in both children and adults.