Diagnostic Value of T1 Mapping in Detecting Iron Overload in Indian Patients with Thalassemia Major: A Comparison with T2* Mapping.

Purpose T2* is the gold standard for iron quantification in liver as well as myocardium. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of myocardial T1 mapping for the assessment of myocardial iron overload (MIO) as compared to the T2* mapping in patients with thalassemia major (TM). Methods Consecutive TM patients attending the thalassemia clinic were prospectively enrolled. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed on a 1.5 T scanner (Siemens Healthineers, Germany) using a gradient echo T2* as well as a T1 mapping (MOLLI) sequence done at a mid-ventricular short-axis single 8 mm slice of the left ventricle. Values were analyzed by manually drawing a region of interest in the mid-septum. T2*less than 20ms was used as the cutoff for significant MIO. Results One-hundred three patients (58 males, mean age: 17 ± 7.8 years, mean ferritin: 2009.5 µg/L) underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance. Median T2* of myocardium was 33.45ms. Nineteen patients (18.4%) had T2*less than 20ms. T1 value was low (<850ms) in all the patients with T2* less than 20 ms. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the best cutoff of native T1 mapping value as 850 ms which had high specificity (95.2%), sensitivity (94.2%) and negative predictive value (98.8%) for T2* less than 20ms. There was excellent agreement between T1 and T2* for diagnosis of MIO (Kappa-0.848, p <0.001). We did not find any patient who had normal T1 mapping values but had MIO on T2*. Conclusion T1 and T2* correlate well and normal T1 values may rule out presence of MIO. T1 mapping can act as additional imaging marker for MIO and may be helpful in centers with nonavailability or limited experience of T2*.

Common arterial trunk (Van Praagh type A3), absent right pulmonary artery and right aortic arch in a cyanotic child.

A 5-year-old girl with cyanotic congenital heart disease underwent computed tomography which revealed common arterial trunk from both ventricles with origin of the left pulmonary artery from the common trunk and right lung supplied by aorto-pulmonary collaterals with absent pulmonic valve and right pulmonary artery entirely. There was right-sided aortic arch with common origin of the left innominate artery and right common carotid artery.

Inter-arterial course of the left coronary artery with a commissural origin in a 40-year-old patient with tricuspid atresia post Fontan shunt.

We report a case of an adult male with Tricuspid atresia post Fontan shunt in whom a rare coronary anomaly was demonstrated on Computed Tomography angiography using endoluminal views and volume rendering techniques.

A large cardiac tuberculoma masquerading a malignant mass in a 15-year-old boy.

We hereby present a case of large cardiac tuberculoma which was thought to be a malignant mass on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The present case highlights that high index of suspicion is necessary to diagnose this rare entity especially in tuberculosis-endemic areas, or in those who have relevant past history of this condition.

Pictorial review of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of cardiovascular manifestations of IgG4-related disease.

This study includes a series of 5 cases demonstrating cardiovascular manifestations of findings of IgG4-related disease. Two cases demonstrate peri-aortic soft tissue thickening in the infrarenal abdominal aorta and bilateral ostio--proximal common iliac artery. In 2 cases there were circumferential soft tissue lesions around the arch of the aorta. One of the cases showed coexistent, biopsy-proven Riedel's thyroiditis and infiltrative soft tissue along the right atrial wall and interatrial septum. In one case there was a partly calcified mass in the left hemi-thorax consistent with a diagnosis of IgG4-related fibrosing mediastinitis.

Low-dose ultra-high-pitch computed tomography coronary angiography: identifying the optimum combination of iteration strength and radiation dose reduction strategies to achieve true submillisievert scans

PURPOSE: To identify the optimum strength of advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) to achieve the best subjective and objective image quality when combining three-dose reduction strategies, ultra-high-pitch computed tomography coronary angiography (FLASH CTCA; with single-dose ivabradine to lower heart rate), low tube voltage, and ADMIRE. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients underwent FLASH CTCA at 100 kVp in this single-center prospective study. Single-dose ivabradine was administered to patients whose heart rate was above 75 bpm. Images were reconstructed using the three highest strengths of ADMIRE (A3, A4, and A5). Objective and subjective image quality (using a Likert scale) were evaluated in the three datasets. RESULTS: The signal strength remained unchanged but mean noise significantly reduced across the increasing strengths of ADMIRE [signal: 513.78 ± 101.7 Hounsfield units (HU) at A3, 515.6 ± 100.5 HU at A4, and 519.7 ± 107.9 HU at A5; noise: 23.4 ± 4.5 HU at A3, 20.2 ± 3.6 HU at A4, and 17.2 ± 3.3 HU at A5]. Signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios were the highest at A5, and A5 offered significantly higher Likert scores in image noise, vessel sharpness, and overall image quality than A3 or A4. Additionally, A5 did not interfere with image interpretation in any patient. CONCLUSION: Using all three dose reduction strategies during FLASH CTCA along with single-dose ivabradine administration ensures minimal radiation exposure in daily practice. In this study, A5 datasets had the best overall subjective and objective image quality despite their "plastic appearance". In the future, enhanced dose reduction can be obtained by further lowering tube voltages.

Origin of the left common carotid artery from ascending aorta in association with tetralogy of Fallot and hypoplastic right cervical aortic arch.

We present a case of a 6-year-old girl with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and hypoplastic aortic arch with anomalous origin of left common carotid artery from the ascending aorta. The case highlights the importance of screening for abnormalities of aortic arch and arch vessels in TOF patients for accurate presurgical planning and to predict the postoperative outcomes.

Sporadic occurrence of multiple paragangliomas causing carotid and coronary arterial encasement.

We describe a case of a 32-year-old man with a paraganglioma causing encasement of ostioproximal segments of the left internal carotid artery and left external carotid artery with concurrent presence of bilobulated mediastinal paraganglioma, with similar imaging characteristics, causing encasement of the coronary arteries.

An unusually long intra-atrial course of the right coronary artery detected on CT angiography.

We hereby present an unusually long intra-atrial course of the right coronary artery incidentally detected on computed tomography angiography. Although usually asymptomatic, an intra-atrial right coronary artery may be injured during iatrogenic procedures which require right heart catheterisation.

Postoperative intrapulmonary invagination of the left internal mammary artery-An anomalous course deciphered on CT angiography.

We hereby present a case of intrapulmonary invagination of the left internal mammary artery detected on CT angiography. We aim to highlight the role of CT angiography in identifying these course anomalies and their clinical implications.

Coexistence of carotid trunk and aberrant right subclavian artery originating close to left subclavian artery in tetralogy of fallot-A rare aortic arch branching anomaly.

We hereby present a patient with tetralogy of Fallot in whom a carotid trunk and aberrant right subclavian artery (arising just next to the origin of the left subclavian artery) were diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) angiography. We aim to highlight the role of CT angiography in identifying these rare aortic arch branching anomalies, which are crucial information for the operating surgeon.

Developmental Anomalies of the Inferior Vena Cava and its Tributaries: What the Radiologist Needs to Know?

Inferior vena cava (IVC) can be involved by a wide gamut of developmental anomalies owing to its complex embryogenesis. Developmental anomalies of the IVC are not infrequent, seen in approximately 8.7% of the general population. Although most of the anatomical variations are asymptomatic, identification of these variations is important before planning any vascular surgery or interventional procedure in relation to the IVC to avoid inadvertent complications. Conventional venography has largely been replaced by noninvasive cross-sectional imaging modalities for detecting IVC abnormalities. Ultrasonography, often used for initial evaluation, is highly operator-dependent and the infrarenal part of IVC is often obscured by bowel gases. While magnetic resonance imaging is devoid of radiation risks, its use is limited due to limited availability and the frequent need for sedation. Computed tomography (CT) venography plays a pivotal role in the detection of these anomalies as it has an excellent spatial resolution along with availability of multiple postprocessing tools such as multiplanar reconstruction with generation of maximum intensity projection and volume-rendered images. This pictorial review focuses on the embryogenesis of IVC, various developmental anomalies of the IVC and its tributaries, their appearance on CT venography and conceivable clinical relevance.

IgG4-related cardiovascular disease: imaging features on cardiac computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

We present a case of diffuse involvement of cardiovascular structures in a patient with immunoglobulin4 (IgG4) vasculitis. We also highlight the important role of computed tomography (CT) angiography in diagnosing the same.

Association between aortic coverage and spinal cord ischemia after endovascular repair of type B aortic dissection.

Objectives: To examine the association between aortic coverage and occurrence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection. Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive patients (mean age 52 years; 35 men) who underwent TEVAR for type B aortic dissection at our centre were included. Patients were stratified into two groups based on stent graft length (SGL): group I (≤ 200 mm; n = 19) and group II (> 200 mm; n = 19). All the procedures were performed under strict blood pressure monitoring. Preoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drain was instituted in two patients. Results: Mean SGLs were 200 mm in group I and 277 ± 27 mm in group II. The number of segmental arteries covered was significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in vertebral artery dominance between groups I and II (p = 0.99). One patient in group II, who also had bilateral internal iliac artery occlusion, developed postprocedural neurological deficit referrable to SCI, which resolved completely after institution of CSF drainage. However, the incidence of SCI was not significantly different between group I and group II (p = 0.5). Conclusion: Based on our experience, we recommend longer aortic coverage (beyond 200 mm) in type B aortic dissection (TBAD) for better aortic remodelling, provided that the mean arterial pressure of > 90 mm Hg is maintained perioperatively to avoid SCI.

Use of intra-arterial gadolinium as contrast medium for thoracic endovascular aortic repair in a patient with iodine hypersensitivity: an uncharted territory.

We hereby present a case in which we used gadolinium as contrast medium for thoracic endovascular aortic repair in a patient with iodine hypersensitivity.

Thromboembolism after COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review of Such Events in 286 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Development of vaccines with high efficacy against COVID-19 disease has ushered a new ray of hope in the fight against the pandemic. Thromboembolic events have been reported after administration of vaccines. We aim to systematically review thromboembolic events reported after COVID-19 vaccination. METHODS: The available literature was systematically screened for available data on thromboembolic events after COVID-19 vaccination. Data were extracted from selected studies and analyzed for site of thromboembolism as well as other risk factors. All data were pooled to determine cumulative incidence of thromboembolism at various sites after vaccination. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were selected for the final analysis. The mean age of the population was 48.5 ± 15.4 years (females - 67.4%). The mean time to event after vaccination was 10.8 ± 7.2 days. Venous thrombosis (74.8%, n = 214/286) was more common than arterial thrombosis (27.9%, n = 80/286). Cerebral sinus thrombosis was the most common manifestation (28.3%, n = 81/286) of venous thrombosis followed by deep vein thrombosis (19.2%, n = 49/254). Myocardial infarction was common (20.1%, n = 55/274) in patients with arterial thrombosis followed by ischemic stroke (8.02%, n = 22/274). Concurrent thrombosis at multiple sites was noted in 15.4% patients. Majority of patients had thrombocytopenia (49%) and antiplatelet factor 4 antibodies (78.6%). Thromboembolic events were mostly reported after the AstraZeneca vaccine (93.7%). Cerebral sinus thrombosis was the most common among thromboembolic events reported after the AstraZeneca vaccine. Among the reported cases, mortality was noted in 29.9% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Thromboembolic events can occur after COVID-19 vaccination, most commonly after the AstraZeneca vaccine. Cerebral sinus thrombosis is the most common manifestation noted in vaccinated individuals.

Venous vascular ring-A rare congenital venous anomaly in a patient of tetralogy of Fallot.

We hereby present a case of tetralogy of Fallot with duplicated brachiocephalic vein having a preaortic and a subaortic component. We aim to highlight the role of computed tomography angiography in identifying these rare associations of tetralogy of Fallot.

Imaging characteristics and associations of left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root with isometric atrial appendages on multidetector CT.

AIM: The present study sought to study the imaging associations of left atrioventricular valve (mitral) atresia and patent aortic root in patients with isomerism of atrial appendages as detected on multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT angiography studies performed at a tertiary medical center from January 2014 to December 2021 were retrospectively evaluated to identify patients with left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root with isometric atrial chambers. The morphology of the atrial appendage and extent of pectinate muscles was used to identify the type of isomeric atrial chambers. A comprehensive assessment of discordant arrangement of organs and the variations in venoatrial connections was done. RESULTS: Left atrioventricular valve atresia in the presence of patent aortic root and isomeric atrial appendages was identified in eight patients (four males). The mean age at diagnosis was 7 years. Right isomerism of the atrial appendages was seen in five patients while three patients had left isomerism. Disharmonious patterns of abdominal visceral arrangement were seen in two patients. Atrial and ventricular septal defects were seen in all patients. The most common pattern of ventricular arterial connection was DORV (double outlet right ventricle) (n = 4). While five patients had normally related great arteries, three had aorta anterior to the pulmonary trunk. Right ventricular outflow obstruction was seen in seven patients. Right aortic arch with mirror image branching was seen in four patients. Coronary artery anomalies were seen in four patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root with isomeric atrial appendages is a rare congenital anomaly frequently associated with anomalous systemic and pulmonary drainage, conotruncal anomalies, and right ventricular outflow obstruction. Hence, comprehensive CT-based evaluation is indispensable in providing detailed anatomy and aids in presurgical planning.

Imaging characteristics and associations of left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root with lateralized atrial chambers on multidetector CT.

AIM: To study the imaging characteristics and the associations of left atrioventricular valve atresia with patent aortic root and lateralized atrial chambers on multidetector computed tomography (CT) angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated all the CT angiography studies performed for the evaluation of various congenital heart diseases at our center from January 2014 to December 2021. Cases with left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root with lateralized atrial chambers were identified. The types of cardiovascular involvement as identifiable on CT angiography were studied and compiled. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients with left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root were included (median age: 5 months, males: 31). A total of 89.5% had usual atrial arrangement and 10.5% had mirror imagery of atria. Normal drainage of right and left superior caval veins and inferior caval vein into systemic venous atrium was seen in 77.8%, 61.5%, and 86.6%, respectively. Anomalous pulmonary venous drainage was seen in 3 (7.9%) patients. Atrial and ventricular septal defects were the most common associations. Imperforate left atrioventricular membrane was seen in 9 (23.7%) patients and absent left atrioventricular connection in 27 (71.1%). Discordant right atrioventricular connection was seen in 5 (13.1%) patients. While a double outlet right ventricle (76.3%) was the most common ventriculoarterial connection, discordant ventriculo-arterial connection (transposition) in 4 (10.5%). Most patients had good sized pulmonary arteries. Patent arterial duct and right aortic arch were seen in 29% and 21%, respectively. Aberrant right subclavian artery was the most common arch vessel anomaly. Coronary anomalies were seen in 7 patients (19%); single coronary artery being the most common. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the patients with left atrioventricular valve atresia and patent aortic root with lateralized atrial chambers have usual atrial arrangement, normal right atrioventricular connections and a double outlet configuration of the right ventricle. Absent left atrioventricular connection is a more common than imperforate left atrioventricular valve membrane. Atrial and ventricular septal defects are the most common associations. Comprehensive CT based evaluation of vascular and nonvascular thoracic structures is imperative before surgery or interventions in patients with mitral atresia.