A meta-analysis of the accessory left atrial appendage and the left atrial diverticulum

Left atrial (LA) structures, including the accessory left atrial appendage (aLAA) and left atrial diverticulum, have been studied based on their prevalence, shape, and association with arrhythmia and thrombi formation. A pooled prevalence with morphometric data has not been determined in previous research. Our goal is to provide structured, clinically relevant information on said structures for clinical practitioners to use in their daily work. We propose that morphometric data of additional LA structures is necessary when considering the possible complications during cardiac interventions. We conducted a meta-analysis of all relevant studies which used electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography (CT) imaging to determine the prevalence of LA structures and record their morphometric characteristics as well as the presence of thrombi. Data were extracted from 19 studies (n = 6643 hearts). The pooled prevalence estimate of left atrial diverticulum and/or aLAAs were reported from 14 studies and was 28.8%. The most common location noted was anterosuperior in the LA with 70.2% of structures found there. Data regarding thrombi presence in left atrial diverticulums or aLAAs were extracted from 11 studies and a thrombus was present in 0.2%. The prevalence rates of aLAAs and left atrial diverticulums are essential in performing uncomplicated cardiac interventions and reducing risk of electrophysiological procedures. Our findings show a considerable prevalence of LA structures in varying populations, provides information regarding the general characteristics of said structures, and does not support the previously theorized associated risk of thrombus formation in relation to LA structure presence.

Cardiac imaging of a patient with unusual presentation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Recent evidence suggests that cardiac involvement in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) occurs more frequently than previously reported. Multimodality cardiac imaging is gaining attention in the diagnosis, prognostication, and follow-up of such patients; however, the data remain scarce.

RESULTS

2D-TTE was useful for initial screening; while both cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) metabolic imaging with rubidium-82 PET perfusion imaging were useful for characterization of myocardial disease. 18FDG-PET/CT was very useful for the follow-up of cardiac disease activity following treatment.

CONCLUSION

18FDG-PET/CT is sensitive for the detection of cardiac involvement by GPA and is useful for the tissue characterization and follow-up of disease activity following treatment.

Significant incidental cardiac disease on thoracic CT: what the general radiologist needs to know

Objective

Incidental cardiac findings are often found on chest CT studies, some of which may be clinically significant. The objective of this pictorial review is to illustrate and describe the appearances and management of the most frequently encountered significant cardiac findings on non-electrocardiographically gated thoracic CT. Most radiologists will interpret multidetector chest CT and should be aware of the imaging appearances, significance, and the appropriate next management steps, when incidental significant cardiac disease is encountered on thoracic CT.

Conclusion

This article reviews significant incidental cardiac findings which may be encountered on chest CT studies. After completing this review, the reader should not only be familiar with recognizing clinically significant cardiac findings seen on thoracic CT examinations but also have the confidence to direct their further management.

Sudden perinatal death due to rupture of congenital cardiac diverticulum. Pathological findings and medico-legal investigations in malpractice charge

Congenital diverticula of the left ventricle, very rare malformations, are determined by an abnormal embryonic development of the ventricular wall and can be isolated or associated to other cardiac anomalies. In most of the cases, these pathologies are not symptomatic and in some patients can be associated to ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac rupture with tamponade and sudden death. Authors are presenting the case of a sudden death in an 8-weeks-old newborn due to rupture of a cardiac congenital diverticulum of the left ventricle, discovered only at the moment of the autopsic examination. The parents of the victim pressed charges against the medical staff that was appointed to the cares, blaming them with malpractice. The missed diagnosis of a cardiac congenital diverticulum of the left ventricle, a rare pathology, reflects the trickiness of the medical management that can lead to medico-legal controversies and, even though such rare conditions must be always taken into consideration when investigating possible dysfunction causing the death, diagnostic difficulties, in the case in exam, justify the missed diagnosis intra-vitam of cardiac ventricular diverticulum.

Cardiac CT angiography beyond the coronary arteries: what radiologists need to know and why they need to know it

OBJECTIVE

With current state-of-the-art CT combining fast scanning times and high spatial resolution, anatomy beyond the coronary arteries is well visualized and may lead to discovery of abnormalities. The purpose of this article is to provide a strategy for radiologists to recognize important extracoronary cardiac CT angiography (CTA) findings.

CONCLUSION

A systemic approach to cardiac CTA by anatomic location and attention to key CT features are critical to identify and properly characterize important extracoronary cardiac abnormalities.