Cardiac CT Scans

Why Choose Cardiac CT Scan for Children?

A Cardiac CT scan can be a valuable diagnostic tool in paediatric cardiology. Here are some reasons:

Clear Visualisation of Congenital Heart Defects

Children are more likely than adults to have congenital heart defects (CHDs)—structural problems present from birth. Cardiac CT offers:

• 3D anatomical imaging of the heart and major vessels.
• Detailed mapping of complex anomalies like double outlet right ventricle, tetralogy of Fallot, or vascular rings.
• Support for surgical planning and decision-making without requiring invasive catheterisation.

This is particularly helpful when echocardiography cannot adequately visualise certain structures due to acoustic window limitations.

Non-Invasive but High Precision

Unlike traditional cardiac catheterisation, which is invasive and involves inserting tubes into blood vessels and the heart, a CT scan is:

• Non-invasive: No catheters or recovery time required.
• Painless: The child lies still while images are taken in seconds.
• Well-tolerated: Especially useful for children unable to cooperate with more involved imaging procedures like MRI.

This makes CT especially helpful for young children or those with complex medical needs.

Fast Acquisition Time

Speed is critical in imaging children, as longer scan times increase the need for sedation or anaesthesia. Cardiac CT provides:

• High-speed imaging: Often completed in under 10 seconds.
• Minimal motion artefacts: Thanks to advanced scanner technology and heart-rate syncing.

Quick scans reduce stress for both the child and the parents and are ideal for urgent or emergency cases.

Detailed Evaluation of Coronary Arteries

In children with suspected or known coronary artery anomalies—such as abnormal origins or courses of the coronary vessels—Cardiac CT:

• Provides excellent spatial resolution to evaluate vessel origins and paths.
• Helps assess rare but dangerous conditions like anomalous coronary artery from the opposite sinus (ACAOS) or Kawasaki disease-related aneurysms.
• Is particularly helpful when MRI or echocardiography provides insufficient clarity.

This information is essential for planning surgery or follow-up care in paediatric cardiac cases.

Useful for Complex Syndromes and Genetic Conditions

Children with genetic syndromes like 22q11 deletion (DiGeorge syndrome), Turner syndrome, or Marfan syndrome often have associated vascular abnormalities. A cardiac CT can:

• Identify aortic dilatation, coarctation, or branch vessel anomalies.
• Monitor changes over time in a safe, structured, and reproducible way.
• Contribute to holistic care planning, especially in multidisciplinary settings.

Alternative When MRI Is Not Feasible

Cardiac MRI, while excellent for soft tissue imaging, has some limitations in children:

• Long scan times that may require general anaesthesia.
• Contraindications due to implanted devices (e.g., pacemakers) or claustrophobia.
• Limited availability in some paediatric centres.

CT offers a faster, widely available, and often more accessible solution, particularly in urgent clinical situations or where MRI is impractical.

Advances in Radiation Dose Reduction

Radiation is a valid concern, particularly in children. However, modern cardiac CT scanners include:

• Low-dose protocols specifically designed for paediatric use.
• ECG-gating and high-pitch spiral techniques to limit radiation exposure.
• Automated exposure adjustment based on the child’s size, age, and body type.

How to Prepare for a Cardiac CT Scan?

• What Special Diet is required Before a CT scan? - You may be instructed to fast up to four hours before your procedure. Some scans require drinking some oral contrast the hour before the scan to show the bowel more clearly.
• What to wear for a CT scan? - You will be asked to remove any metallic items, such as jewellery, watches, eyewear and belts, as these items can show up on the CT scans. You should also avoid clothes with zippers or metal buttons. You may be asked to remove any clothing obstructing the area to be scanned and given a medical gown to wear instead, so you should try to wear something comfortable and easy to remove.

What Happens During the Cardiac CT Scan?

• Your child will lie still on a table that slides into the CT machine.
• The machine can make a loud noises, so earplugs or headphones may be provided.
• The procedure takes 10-30 minutes, during which the team monitors your child closely.

What to Expect Afterwards?

• Your child can usually go home and resume normal activities immediately.
• If contrast dye was used, encourage hydration to flush it out.
• Results are typically ready in a few days; your doctor will explain the findings.