OBJECTIVE: since catheterization of the gastroepiploic artery (GEA) grafts used in coronary artery bypass surgery is difficult, this study evaluated the performace of 16-slice multidector CT scans in GEA graft analysis. METHODS: Twenty-six male patients with GEA grafts were scanned using ECG synchronization, followed by a thoracoabdominal scan. RESULTS: The GEA grafts were assessable in 62% of the thoracoabdominal scans and 69% of the cardiac scans. CONCLUSION: Sixteen-slice MDCT using ECG synchronization and thoracoabdominal scanning to L3 appears to be a promising alternative to catheterization. PMID: 15906037

COMMENT: 16-slice multidetector CT scanning in evaluation of gastroepiploic graft patency is effective when ECG synchronization is utilized along with thoracoabdominal scanning.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...6037&query_hl=1

A 16-slice multidetector computed tomography protocol for evaluation of the gastroepiploic artery grafts in patients after coronary artery bypass surgery. Dorgelo J, Willems TP, van Ooijen PM, Panday GF, Boonstra PW, Zijlstra F, Oudkerk M. Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, PO Box 30001, 9700, Groningen, The Netherlands, j.dorgelo@rad.umcg.nl. Eur Radiol. 2005 May 20.

ncupdate 2005