Computed Tomography Findings, Clinical Characteristics, and Mechanisms of Cerebrovascular Density Increase in Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease

Abstract

Cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) features include compensatory red blood cell and Fe3+ hemoglobin increases. These result in an increase in blood density and a reduction in oxygen saturation (SaO2). Routine head computed tomography (CT) usually exhibits specific signs for the different degrees of brain blood vessel increases. However, the underlying mechanisms and how to identify venous sinus thrombosis or subarachnoid hemorrhage are still contentious. The cranial CT and clinical data of 82 patients with CCHD were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the following groups: Normal, Mild, Moderate, and Severe. Analyses of the blood CT values, hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations, red blood cell count (RBC), hematocrit (HCT), and clinical cyanosis degree were conducted. The values of blood CT, Hb, RBC, and HCT were significantly different among the groups. The blood CT value was positively correlated with the Hb concentration (r = 0 98, P < 0.01), and color Doppler imaging (CDI) was positively correlated with the CCHD degree (r = 0 86, P < 0.01). Hypoxia in CCHD can stimulate polycythemia; hence, CDI is positively correlated with the Hb concentration as well as the aggregation and retention of RBC. The clinical manifestations are positively related to the CCHD degree.