Contrast layering artefact mimicking aortic dissection in a patient on veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation undergoing computed tomography scan

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2016 Apr;22(4):507-9. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivv366. Epub 2015 Dec 31.

Abstract

Interpretation and evaluation of images obtained by different contrast-enhanced diagnostic tools in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support can be extremely challenging due to profound pump-related alterations in haemodynamics and contrast media enhancement patterns. We present a case of a 65-year old patient on veno-arterial ECMO with a pseudo-filling defect of the arterial system on contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan, resembling aortic dissection.

Keywords: Aortic dissection; Contrast-enhanced imaging; Echocardiography; Emergency cardiac care; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Aorta / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortography / methods*
  • Artifacts*
  • Computed Tomography Angiography*
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation*
  • Humans
  • Iopamidol / administration & dosage
  • Iopamidol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multidetector Computed Tomography*
  • Predictive Value of Tests

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • iomeprol
  • Iopamidol