Medical Journal of The Islamic Republic of Iran (MJIRI)

Background: Truncus arteriosus represents a complex congenital heart disease, and accurate diagnostic imaging should be followed to provide adequate treatment. Computerized tomography (CT) angiography has thus been identified as a valuable technique for diagnosing, assessing surgical procedures, and tracking post-operative results in patients with these conditions.
   Methods: The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, plus Google Scholar were searched for potential studies addressing diagnostic accuracy, planning prior to surgery, and follow-up after surgery. In this review, analysis was undertaken for data retrieved from several CT angiocardiography cases to demonstrate the benefits of the technique and its efficiency.
   Results: CT angiocardiography is superior to conventional angiography in that it is non-invasive and has high-resolution three-dimensional imaging, which improves the diagnostic ability of truncus arteriosus and the assessment of associated anomalies. It enhances preoperative planning since it presents a highly detailed map of the human body, thus enabling the surgeon to map out the planned operations and, at the same time, anticipate any complications. This approach is valuable because postoperative evaluation with CT angiocardiography is used to determine the success of surgical operations as well as identify residual defects or complications that may occur in the future and which would lead to reduced success.
   Conclusion: Through the use of CT angiocardiography, managing patients with truncus arteriosus has become easier owing to the high diagnostic precision provided by the technique, as well as the assistance in proper surgical planning and postoperative monitoring. Clinical Practice messages include a call to incorporate CT in Pre-operative & follow-up evaluation.