Comparison of Doppler sonography and multidetector-row computed tomography in the imaging findings of the deep inferior epigastric perforator artery

Background: Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has been recently introduced to detect the perforator vessels. The aim of this study is to compare the MDCT with Doppler ultrasound and assess the usefulness of the MDCT for the preoperative planning. Methods: Five healthy adult men were first assessed for the perforators and marked with rubber using the Doppler ultrasound before MDCT was performed. Using these images, the number and the location of the perforator were evaluated. Results: We could detect 83 perforators on five cases, while could detect 35 perforators by the Doppler ultrasound. We measured the distance from the fascia perforating points to rubber markings points. It ranged from 0 to 22.47 mm (7.62 mm on average). Conclusion: MDCT angiography is useful for preoperative planning of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap at the point of more accurate anatomical findings and clear images of perforator vessels compared to the findings using Doppler ultrasound.