Multidetector CT (MDCT) angiography: new gold standard for the diagnosis of vascular injuries in the extremities?

Abstract

The diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to patients with suspected vascular injuries in the extremities has changed throughout time. Routine arteriography replaced mandatory surgical treatment due to the high number of non-therapeutic explorations. Later on, a more selective approach was adopted, and the strict analysis of physical examination findings led to a reduced number of arteriographies. In recent years the use of Helical CT arteriography and then Multidetector CT angiography have become useful tools in the evaluation of some medical and surgical conditions, which now include vascular trauma. With the accumulated experience at Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, in Medellín (Colombia) as well as in other trauma centers, it can be now stated that this procedure is safe, reliable and that, due to its excellent performance, it can be considered the Gold- Standard Test for the diagnosis of vascular trauma in the extremities.