Evaluation of the Role of High Resolution Computerized Tomography (HRCT) and Computerized Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) in the Diagnosis, Differentiation and Detection of Possible Complications of Pulmonary Hypertension, YOUSSRIAH Y. SABRI, IMAN M. HAMDY, IRENE M. SABRY and ASSAD A. ALHADI
Abstract
Introduction: Multi-detector pulmonary CT angiography and high resolution CT are now play an important role in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and are considered the first line of investigation in the diagnosis of most of the pulmonary vascular and interstitial disorders that’s cause PH.
Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of Multi-detector pulmonary CT angiography (CTPA) and high resolution CT (HRCT) in the diagnosis of PH and its causes.
Patients and Methods: 100 patients (diagnosed either clinically or by echocardiography to have PH) were examined using a 4-MCT scanner in the Radiology Department in Cairo University. The study population was assisted for different MDCT signs of PH, lung parenchyma, vascular and cardiac findings that help in the diagnosis of different causes of PH.
Results: In all cases the main pulmonary artery (MPA) was larger than 29mm and further divided according to the size into three groups (<35mm=54%, >!35!940mm=28%, >40mm=18%). The more than 1:1 relation between segmental pulmonary artery and the bronchus in different pulmonary lobes was seen in 88% of cases. The more than 1:1 relation between the main pulmonary artery and the aorta was seen in 76% of cases. According to the other CT findings, the causes were divided into four groups. Group A (pulmonary) 36%, Group B (cardiac) 27%, Group C (vascular) 17% and Group D (idiopathic) 20%.
Conclusion: CTPA and HRCT are a relatively available, minimally invasive investigation that can now be considered as an important modality that show signs of PH and the first line of investigation in diagnosis of possible causes of PH.