Axial cineangiography in congenital heart disease. Section I. Concept, technical and anatomic considerations

• Published in: Circulation (New York, N.Y.) N.Y.), 1977-12, Vol.56 (6), p.1075-1083
• Main Authors: Bargeron, Jr, L M, Elliott, L P, Soto, B, Bream, P R, Curry, G C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cineangiography - methods; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Heart Defects, Congenital - diagnosis; Heart Defects, Congenital - diagnostic imaging; Humans
• ISSN: 0009-7322; 1524-4539
• DOI: 10.1161/01.CIR.56.6.1075

Cineangiographic axial techniques were designed to overcome the limitations of conventional angiography in the diagnosis of congenital heart disease. Two basic patient (or equipment) maneuvers are involved; 1) long axis of the heart is aligned perpendicular to the X-ray beam, and 2) rotation of patient results in the heart being radiographically sectioned at 30 degree angles. To accomplish this with fixed vertical and horizontal X-ray tubes, three positions were developed: 1) "hepato-clavicular," "4 chamber," 2) "long axial oblique," 3) "anterior-posterior axial." A fourth, the "sitting-up" projection is discussed. The hepato-clavicular position profiles the posterior ventricular septum and atrial septum, separates the A-V valves, places the four cardiac chambers en face, and clarifies mitral valve-semilunar valve and outflow tract relationships. The long axial oblique profiles the anterior ventricular septum, left ventricular outflow tract, aortic valve-anterior mitral valve leaflet. The sitting-up view visualizes the bifurcation of the pulmonary trunk and separates true pulmonary arteries from systemic collaterals.