Basic Concepts and Insights into Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries in Congenital Heart Diseases.

Aortopulmonary collateral arteries are persistent embryological vessels supplying lung parenchyma in various cardiopulmonary diseases with underlying pulmonary hypoperfusion. Their identification and mapping are important because of associated clinical implications and tendency to affect the surgical outcome. This article describes the embryological development and clinical relevance of aortopulmonary collaterals in various congenital cardiopulmonary conditions, along with the significance for treatment planning. Roles, strength, and shortcomings of the various imaging options and image-guided interventions are discussed, with a focus on presurgical planning and preparation, as well as postsurgical management.

A rare pediatric case of pedunculated cardiac hemangioma of the left ventricle.

A 12-year-old male child with atypical chest pain and fatigue since past 3 months underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging for suspicious globular mobile mass detected in the left ventricle on a transthoracic echocardiography. CMR revealed peripheral vascular blush on the first pass perfusion images with centripetal progressive intensely bright enhancement on late gadolinium-enhanced images. Further confirmation and histological diagnosis of the tumor was made through transaortic aortic resection of the mass.

Bicuspid aortic valve and anomalous origin of the right ventricular branch in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries: A rare association.

We hereby present a case of congenitally corrected transposition of great arteries association of bicuspid aortic valve morphology and anomalous separate origin of the right ventricular branch of the right coronary artery. We aim to highlight the role of computed tomography angiography in identifying these rare associations.

Intrathymic course of left brachiocephalic vein: A hitherto undescribed anatomical variant in tetralogy of Fallot.

We hereby present a case of a unique intrathymic course of left brachiocephalic vein in a patient with Tetralogy of Fallot and aberrant right subclavian artery deciphered on computed tomography angiography.

Unruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm in a case of large vessel vasculitis: A diagnostic dilemma.

BACKGROUND: Takayasu arteritis and tuberculous aortitis, both can result in aneurysmal disease of the aorta. The overlapping imaging features in case of large vessel vasculitis can create a diagnostic dilemma. AIM: We present a case of large vessel vasculitis and chronic empyema with unruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 30-year-old man presented with acute onset shortness of breath, palpitations, and gradually progressing pedal edema. The echocardiography and CT angiogram revealed features of large vessel vasculitis and chronic empyema along with unruptured sinus of valsava aneurysms. Patient underwent emergency Bentall procedure and the histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of takayasu arteritis. DISCUSSION: Tuberculosis being an endemic disease with varied presentations should always be considered a differential diagnosis, whenever appropriate. An unruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysm can be clinically silent or can cause compression symptoms. Although there are no specific guidelines regarding surgical correction, symptomatic and aneurysms of size >5.5cm are usually managed surgically. CONCLUSION: Unruptured sinus of valsalva aneurysms can be seen in Takayasu arteritis, which complicates the methodology and timing of the surgical management.

Stenotic lesions of aorta: Imaging evaluation using multidetector computed tomography angiography.

Aortic involvement can be secondary to various pathologic disease processes. These may result in stenotic or aneurysmal aortic lesions with a varied spectrum of imaging findings including intra-luminal, mural, and periaortic changes along with associated loco-regional or distal changes, depending on the etiology. Multidetector computer tomography with its recent advances has become the frontline imaging modality for the evaluation of aortic pathologies. Comprehensive evaluation of the aortic pathology with simultaneous evaluation of lungs, bones, and visceral organs is possible with a single multidetector computer tomography acquisition. It allows accurate primary diagnosis, identifies important anatomic landmarks and relationships, and identifies associated cardiovascular anomalies. Moreover, it serves as an adjunct in diagnosis of various complications, helps in treatment planning and detection of disease progression during follow-up.

A rare pediatric case of bilateral bronchopulmonary vascular malformations and right isomerism.

We present an unusual case of an 18-day-old term neonate with coexistent bilateral bronchopulmonary vascular malformations and right isomerism. This case highlights the importance of computed tomography angiography in depicting such complex anomalies and classifying them according to components involved providing a systematic approach for evaluation of the disease process.

Anomalous branch of right pulmonary artery supplying the left lung: A "pseudo-pulmonary sling".

We report a case of a 9-month-old boy with supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection showing a small aberrant vessel arising from the right pulmonary artery and traversing below the left main bronchus to supply the anteromedial segment of the left lower lobe.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): A Systematic Review of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in 199 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) with its new quantitative mapping techniques has proved to be an essential diagnostic tool for detecting myocardial injury associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This systematic review sought to assess the important imaging features on CMR in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic literature review within the PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and WHO databases for articles describing the CMR findings in COVID-19 patients. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies comprising 199 patients were included in the final qualitative synthesis. Of the CMRs 21% were normal. Myocarditis (40.2%) was the most prevalent diagnosis. T1 (109/150; 73%) and T2 (91/144; 63%) mapping abnormalities, edema on T2/STIR (46/90; 51%), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (85/199; 43%) were the most common imaging findings. Perfusion deficits (18/21; 85%) and extracellular volume mapping abnormalities (21/40; 52%), pericardial effusion (43/175; 24%), and pericardial LGE (22/100; 22%) were also seen. LGE was most commonly seen in the subepicardial location (81%) and in the basal-mid part of the left ventricle in inferior segments. In most of the patients, ventricular functions were normal. Kawasaki-like involvement with myocardial edema without necrosis/LGE (4/6; 67%) was seen in children. CONCLUSION: CMR is useful in assessing the prevalence, mechanism, and extent of myocardial injury in COVID-19 patients. Myocarditis is the most common imaging diagnosis, with the common imaging findings being mapping abnormalities and myocardial edema on T2, followed by LGE. As cardiovascular involvement is associated with poor prognosis, its detection warrants prompt attention and appropriate treatment.

Cardiac Outpouchings: A Multimodality Imaging Review.

Cardiac outpouchings pose a diagnostic challenge when encountered in practice, as the signs, symptoms, and initial investigations, such as radiographs and electrocardiogram, are nonspecific. They may remain asymptomatic and be incidentally detected. However, a few may present with progressive shortness of breath, thromboembolic complications, arrhythmias, pressure effects, rupture, or even death. Imaging is of paramount importance in establishing an accurate diagnosis, delineating morphology and extent of the lesion along with its hemodynamic significance, planning management, and in the follow-up.