Low dose time-resolved CT-angiography in pediatric patients with venous malformations using 3rd generation dual-source CT: Initial experience

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively evaluate the diagnostic value and radiation dose of time-resolved CT-Angiography (4D-CTA) in pediatric patients with venous malformations using 3rd generation dual-source CT (DSCT) at 70 kVp tube voltage. METHODS: Between November 2014 and August 2015, seven children (2 male, 5 female; median age, 9 years; range 3–12 years) with suspected peripheral, non-cerebral, venous malformations were included in this feasibility study and underwent US, MRI and 4D-CTA. All three imaging modalities were analyzed and compared individually by an experienced interventional radiologist and a pediatric surgeon using a 5-point Likert scale, with regard to diagnosis of the vascular anomaly, additional information like presence of thrombophlebitis and lesion extension, flow dynamics, localization, volume and significance for treatment planning. For quantitative statistical analysis, an unifactorial analysis of variance was performed for every parameter and all three imaging modalities. Radiation dose values as expressed by the volume CT dose index (CTDI(vol)) and dose-length product (DLP) were recorded for of all patients. RESULTS: Three out of six patients had isolated type I venous malformations without peripheral venous drainage which could be demonstrated on MRI and CT. In two out of six patients a type II venous malformation with drainage into normal veins was diagnosed. In one case, 4D-CT was the only imaging modality that revealed a slow-flow venous malformation with shunting supply by a hypodynamic arterial feeder. TREATMENT PLANNING: 4D-CTA was rated as the best imaging modality for treatment planning with agreement between radiologist and surgeon, especially with respect to the hemodynamics of the venous malformation. CONCLUSIONS: 4D-CTA at 70 kVp is a fast imaging modality that provides comprehensive diagnostic information of venous malformations in pediatric patients and is very valuable for therapy planning. Radiation dose of 4D-CTA must be weighted against the diagnostic information as well as the potential risk for sedation and contrast administration during MRI.