Cardiovascular CT in Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To discuss the role of cardiovascular computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing and managing a spectrum of cyanotic congenital heart defects before and after repair and to review practical imaging considerations in patients with specific cyanotic lesions. Recent Findings: As CT technology has rapidly advanced and radiation doses have dramatically decreased, cardiovascular CT has provided a lower-risk, high-quality alternative to diagnostic cardiac catheterization or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and has been increasingly utilized in nearly every type of cyanotic congenital heart defect. Summary: Cardiovascular CT can provide rapid, high-resolution images to aid in preoperative planning and postoperative surveillance of cyanotic heart disease. To optimize each study, protocols should be carefully tailored to specific defects and to each patient’s unique clinical and hemodynamic considerations.