MDCT assessment of mechanical circulatory support device complications.

THE RISING NUMBEROF PATIENTSWITH ADVANCED HEART FAILUREWHO RECEIVE DURABLE MECHANICAL CIRCULATORY SUPPORT (MCS) DEVICES requires improved recognition of device complications (1). Imaging is invariably needed because the clinical presentation is nonspecific. In our institution, we perform both a baseline echocardiographic study and a pump speed optimization test when left ventricular assist device (LVAD) dysfunction is suspected (2). Additionally, we obtain a contrast electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT) study to screen for complications in patients without significant impaired kidney function. With fast acquisition, superior spatial resolution, and superior image quality, ECG-gated MDCT could directly visualize the entire MCS systems (except for the pump interior) and