Noninvasive evaluation of cardiac veins with 16-MDCT angiography

Abstract

Objective: Anatomic mapping of the cardiac veins is important to guide transvenous therapeutic procedures such as biventricular pacing. As an alternative to invasive venography, we studied the feasibility of MDCT of the cardiac venous anatomy.

Conclusion: Cardiac venous anatomy is variable. MDCT is a noninvasive method that allows detailed imaging of the cardiac venous anatomy, including small cardiac veins and thebesian valves. Therefore, cardiac MDCT may be a valuable tool for guiding procedures that involve the cardiac venous system.