MDCT FOR ABDOMINAL VASCULAR ASSESSMENT IN DOGS:: MDCT basics, CT-angiography, normal anatomy and congenital anomalies

Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is a breakthrough in computed tomography technology, providing a substantial gain in performance in comparison to previous technologies. The main advantage of MDCT over previous CT generations is the ability to acquire thin-section data from a scan volume within a short scan time. Given the shorter scanning time and the higher image quality, MDCT- angiography is now at the forefront of clinical vascular imaging in small animals. Datasets obtained from MDCT scanners can be displayed as volume using computer workstations creating excellent three- dimensional maps of the vasculature. This book provides an overview on MDCT technical basis, angiographic protocols, and post-processing techniques useful for vascular studies. A large pictorial section provides comprehensive 3D vascular maps of the canine abdominal vasculature, showing the in vivo normal anatomy, variants, and most common congenital vascular anomalies, such as arterioportal fistulas and portosystemic shunts.