SynthesisThe British journal of radiology2025
Computed tomographic angiography in planning thoraco-dorsal artery perforator flap in breast and soft tissue reconstruction: a systematic review.
Synthesis in The British journal of radiology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Computed Tomographic Angiography-guided Zero-COPlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesThoraco-dorsal artery perforator (TDAP) flaps have been increasingly used in breast and soft tissue reconstruction. Perforator localization is often done using a hand-held doppler, however, false results are not uncommon. This study aimed to systematically review the literature on the value of preoperative computed tomographic angiography (CTA) in TDAP flaps examining scanning protocol, mapping technique, concordance with operative findings, and disadvantages.
methodsA PRISMA-compliant comprehensive search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases was conducted in November 2023. We included studies evaluating CTA mapping of free and pedicled TDAPs for breast or soft tissue reconstruction using The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools.
resultsFive studies were included and considered at high risk of bias. The studies included 72 patients with a mean age of 43.8 years. Concordance between CT findings and Doppler mapping or operative visualization was reported in two studies. In three studies, CTA was combined with Doppler flowmetry, whilst dynamic infrared thermography was used in one study. Standardized scanning protocol and patient positioning were lacking in all reports.
conclusionsThis study highlights the paucity of evidence on the value of CTA in TDA perforator mapping with inconsistent outcomes and non-standardized scanning protocols. Despite difficult imaging acquisition and interpretation, 3D reconstructed images and detailed vascular anatomy may facilitate planning. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Further research is required to explore the practical value of CTA in TDAP planning and standardizing protocols.
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