SOMATOM Definition Flash Scanning 

Authors:

History

The patient was referred to the cardiology department in our Centre Cardio-Thoracique, Monaco prior to vascular surgery. In addition to the previously performed Doppler ultrasound, a Dual Energy scan was performed in order to see the entire vascular status of the carotid arteries and the carotid stenosis morphology.

Diagnosis

The patient examination revealed a bilateral high grade common carotid artery stenosis and severe calcified plaques in both internal and external carotid arteries, all close to the bifurcation. Dual Energy scan mode enables quick volume rendered (VRT) and maximum intensity projections (MIP) without overlaying vertebra bodies of cervical spine to accurately measure the extent of the stenosis.

Comments

The fast acquisition time of only 6 seconds using Dual Energy technique from the aortic arch to the Circle of Willis did show a pure arterial contrast filling. No venous backflow obstructed viewing the carotid arteries. Cardiac pulsation also did not impair the diagnostic quality of the common carotids near the aortic arch. Dual Energy acquisition allows a fast separation of bones and vessels, even the closely embedded vertebral artery and basilar artery were well separated and diagnosed. The patient immediately underwent further treatment.