Color Doppler Ultrasound versus Computed Tomography Angiography for Preoperative Anterolateral Thigh Flap Perforator Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reece Moore ◽  
Donna Mullner ◽  
Georgina Nichols ◽  
Isis Scomacao ◽  
Fernando Herrera
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Color Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Preoperative Imaging ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh Flap ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Alt Flap

Abstract Background The anterolateral thigh (ALT) perforator flap is a commonly used flap with a predictable, though often variable, perforator anatomy. Preoperative imaging with color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) of ALT flap perforators can be a useful tool for flap planning. This study provides a complete review and analysis of the relevant preoperative ALT imaging literature. Methods Studies related to preoperative CDU and CTA imaging were reviewed, and information related to imaging method, sensitivity, false-positive rates, and perforator course identification (musculocutaneous vs. septocutaneous) were analyzed. Results A total of 23 studies related to preoperative ALT flap CDU and CTA imaging were included for review and analysis. Intraoperative perforator identification was compared with those found preoperatively using CDU (n = 672) and CTA (n = 531). Perforator identification sensitivity for CDU was 95.3% (95% CI: 90.9–97.6%) compared with the CTA sensitivity of 90.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 74.4–96.9%). The false-positive rate for CDU was 2.8% (95% CI: 1.1–4.5%) compared with 2.4% (95% CI: 0.7–4.1%) for CTA. Accuracy of perforator course identification was 95.5% (95% CI: 93.6–99.2%) for CDU and 96.9% (95% CI: 92.7–100.1%) for CTA. Conclusion CDU provides the reconstructive surgeon with greater preoperative perforator imaging sensitivity compared with CTA; however, false-positive rates are marginally higher with preoperative CDU. Preoperative imaging for ALT flap design is an effective tool, and the reconstructive surgeon should consider the data presented here when selecting a flap imaging modality.

scholarly journals Validation of color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography in the radiologic assessment of non-malignant acute splanchnic vein thrombosis

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261499
Author(s):  
Lukas Sturm ◽  
Dominik Bettinger ◽  
Christoph Klinger ◽  
Tobias Krauss ◽  
Hannes Engel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Portal Vein ◽  
Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Color Doppler Ultrasound ◽  
Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Vein Thrombosis ◽  
Cohen's Kappa ◽  
Radiologic Assessment

Introduction International guidelines propose color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) as primary imaging techniques in the diagnosis of acute splanchnic vein thrombosis. However, their reliability in this context is poorly investigated. Therefore, the aim of our study was to validate CDUS and CT in the radiologic assessment of acute splanchnic vein thrombosis, using direct transjugular spleno-portography as gold standard. Materials and methods 49 patients with non-malignant acute splanchnic vein thrombosis were included in a retrospective, multicenter analysis. The thrombosis’ extent in five regions of the splanchnic venous system (right and left intrahepatic portal vein, main trunk of the portal vein, splenic vein, superior mesenteric vein) and the degree of thrombosis (patent, partial thrombosis, complete thrombosis) were assessed by portography, CDUS and CT in a blinded manner. Reliability of CDUS and CT with regard to portography as gold standard was analyzed by calculating Cohen’s kappa. Results Results of CDUS and CT were consistent with portography in 76.6% and 78.4% of examinations, respectively. Cohen’s kappa demonstrated that CDUS and CT delivered almost equally reliable results with regard to the portographic gold standard (k = 0.634 [p < 0.001] vs. k = 0.644 [p < 0.001]). In case of findings non-consistent with portography there was no clear trend to over- or underestimation of the degree of thrombosis in both CDUS (60.0% vs. 40.0%) and CT (59.5% vs. 40.5%). Conclusions CDUS and CT are equally reliable tools in the radiologic assessment of non-malignant acute splanchnic vein thrombosis.

Preoperative Computed Tomography Angiography for ALT Flaps Optimizes Design and Reduces Operative Time

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Schneider ◽  
Patrick A. Palines ◽  
Daniel J. Womac ◽  
Charles T. Tuggle ◽  
Hugo St Hilaire ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Computed Tomography Angiography ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Donor Site ◽  
Vascular Anatomy ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Anterolateral Thigh ◽  
Extremity Reconstruction ◽  
Alt Flap ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Background Computed tomography angiography (CTA) has been widely used for perforator mapping in abdominal-based reconstruction, but it is less widespread in the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, CTA may be quite useful for ALT planning, as this flap has demonstrated substantial variability in intrapatient bilateral vascular anatomy. This study investigated whether standard use of preoperative CTA resulted in selection of the donor extremity with preferential perforator anatomy, and whether this affected operative time and postoperative outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of 105 patients who underwent proposed ALT flap reconstruction was performed. Seventy-nine patients received bilateral lower extremity CTAs, which were evaluated for dominant perforator anatomy (septocutaneous, musculoseptocutaneous, or musculocutaneous). Donor extremity selection was noted, and predicted perforator anatomy was compared with that encountered intraoperatively. Results Among the 73 patients who received bilateral imaging and ultimately received an ALT, congruent findings between imaging and surgical exploration were observed in 51 (69.8%) patients. Thirty (37.9%) patients had asymmetric perforator anatomy between their bilateral extremities on imaging. Among these, the leg with optimal perforator anatomy was selected in 70% of cases. There were no significant reductions among postoperative complication rates, but selection of the donor site with preferential anatomy was associated with a decrease in operative time (p = 0.049) among patients undergoing extremity reconstruction. Conclusion CTA is a useful tool for optimizing donor site selection for ALT flaps and reducing operative time. We believe that standard use of preoperative CTA in ALTs warrants further consideration.

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