Usefulness of multislice spiral computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with acute chest pain in the emergency department

Background

Despite reports that multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) has high sensitivity and specificity in preselected patient populations, the routine clinical feasibility and utility of MSCT coronary angiography in patients with acute chest pain in the emergency department remains uncertain.

Objectives

We sought to determine whether 16-slice MSCT coronary angiography can provide diagnostically useful images in patients with acute chest pain in the emergency department.

Methods

Ninety-eight patients in the emergency department (41 men, 57 women; mean age ± SD, 48.1 ± 11.9 y) with acute chest pain underwent MSCT coronary angiography. Coronary calcium (Agatston) scoring was performed, followed by contrast-enhanced MSCT. Images were evaluated for mean image quality (MIQ) and for degree of stenosis. These data were correlated with body mass index (BMI; in kg/m²), heart rate, beat-to-beat variation, and calcium score to assess their influence on image quality.

Results

The 28 patients (29%) with nondiagnostic MIQs had significantly higher BMIs (mean ± SD, 32.9 ± 9.1 vs 28.9 ± 6.7; P < 0.05) and heart rates (mean ± SD, 71.0 ± 11.9 beats/min vs 65.6 ± 9.9 beats/min; P < 0.05) than patients with diagnostic MIQs. Forty-five patients (46%) had at least 1 nondiagnostic coronary segment. These patients had significantly higher heart rates (mean ± SD, 70.5 ± 10.3 vs 64.1 ± 13.7; P < 0.05) than patients with only diagnostic-quality scans. Image quality correlated inversely and strongly with BMI and heart rate.

Conclusions

Sixteen-slice MSCT coronary angiography cannot routinely provide diagnostically useful images in patients with acute chest pain in the emergency department.     

中等心率下64层螺旋CT 前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像的可行性研究

目的 采用回顾性心电门控模拟前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CT 成像(CCTA),探讨前瞻性心电门控CCTA 在中等心率病人中的可行性.方法 本研究共纳入63 例病人[心率(HR)为65～75 次/min,心率变异性(HRv)＜5次/min,钙化积分＜400 分]行回顾性心电门控CCTA,扫描结束后以R-R 间期60%的相位为中心,按400 ms 占据曝光平均心率R-R 间期的比例以5%的间隔重建期相,以冠状动脉节段为单位,对所有重建的图像进行评分(5 分制:5分为优,1 分为差),以统计描述可用于诊断的冠状动脉节段数目所占比例评价前瞻性心电门控CCTA 在中等心率病人中的应用价值.结果 共有822 个冠状动脉节段参与评分,平均得分4.15±0.72,可用于诊断的冠状动脉节段数目比例为97.76%.结论 中等心率下前瞻性心电门控技术可通过预设60%采集期相,重叠时间设置为200 ms 可以重建出满足诊断的图像,且理论上可以大幅降低辐射剂量.     

中等心率下64层螺旋CT前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像的可行性研究

目的采用回顾性心电门控模拟前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CT成像（CCTA）,探讨前瞻性心电门控CCTA在中等心率病人中的可行性。方法本研究共纳入63例病人[心率（HR）为65～75次/min,心率变异性（HRv）〈5次/min,钙化积分〈400分]行回顾性心电门控CCTA,扫描结束后以R-R间期60%的相位为中心,按400ms占据曝光平均心率R-R间期的比例以5%的间隔重建期相,以冠状动脉节段为单位,对所有重建的图像进行评分（5分制：5分为优,1分为差）,以统计描述可用于诊断的冠状动脉节段数目所占比例评价前瞻性心电门控CCTA在中等心率病人中的应用价值。结果共有822个冠状动脉节段参与评分,平均得分4.15±0.72,可用于诊断的冠状动脉节段数目比例为97.76%。结论中等心率下前瞻性心电门控技术可通过预设60%采集期相,重叠时间设置为200ms可以重建出满足诊断的图像,且理论上可以大幅降低辐射剂量。     

心房颤动患者的64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像的初步临床研究

目的 探讨64层螺旋CT在心房颤动患者冠状动脉CT血管成像(CTA)中的应用价值.方法 分析31例心房颤动患者的冠状动脉CTA图像质量,利用血管分析软件判断血管有无狭窄并测量狭窄率,其中10例患者的冠状动脉CTA结果与冠状动脉造影(CAG)结果进行了对照分析.对于不同心率患者图像质量的比较分析采用多个独立样本(等级资料)的非参数秩和榆验.结果所有患者均采用绝对值时间法重组心脏容积数据.对31例患者中364段血管节段进行成像质量分析:心率为47～69次/min组图像质量为优、良、中和差的血管节段数分别为85、41、5和8个,心率为70～79次/min组分别为63、16、13和15个,心率为80～105次/min组分别为46、25、23和24个,3组间成像质量差异有统计学意义(H=22.08,P＜0.01).10例与CAG进行对照,共分析冠状动脉血管125段,CTA诊断血管狭窄程度≥50%的敏感度为85.0%(17/20),特异度为95.2%(100/105),阳性预测值为77.3%(17/22),阴性预测价值为97.1%(100/103).冠状动脉CTA低估了3段血管的病变,过度评价了5段血管.结论64层螺旋CT对心房颤动患者进行冠状动脉CTA检查具有一定的临床价值.     

Coronary artery imaging during preoperative CT staging: preliminary experience with 64-slice multidetector CT in 99 consecutive patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical feasibility of coronary artery imaging during routine preoperative 64-slice MDCT scans of the chest. Ninety-nine consecutive patients in sinus rhythm underwent a biphasic multidetector-row spiral CT examination of the chest without the administration of beta-blockers, including an ECG-gated acquisition over the cardiac cavities, followed by a non-gated examination of the upper third of the thorax. Data were reconstructed to evaluate coronary arteries and to obtain presurgical staging of the underlying disease. The percentage of assessable segments ranged from 65.4% (972/1,485) when considering all coronary artery segments to 88% (613/693) for the proximal and mid segments, reaching 98% (387/396) for proximal coronary artery segments. The 387 interpretable proximal segments included 97 (97%) LM, 99 (100%) LAD, 96 (97%) LCX and 95 (96%) RCA with a mean attenuation of 280.70±52.93 HU. The mean percentage of assessable segments was significantly higher in patients with a heart rate ≤80 bpm (n=48) than in patients with a heart rate greater than 80 bpm (n=35) (80±11% vs. 72±13%; P=0.0008). Diagnostic image quality was achieved in all patients for preoperative staging of the underlying disorder. The mean estimated effective dose was 12.06±3.25 mSv for ECG-gated scans and 13.88±3.49 mSv for complete chest examinations. Proximal and mid-coronary artery segments can be adequately evaluated during presurgical CT examinations of the chest obtained with 64-slice MDCT without the administration of β-blockers.     

Screening for coronary artery disease in respiratory patients: comparison of single- and dual-source CT in patients with a heart rate above 70 bpm

To evaluate the assessibility of coronary arteries in respiratory patients with high heart rates. This study was based on the comparative analysis of two paired populations of 54 patients with a heart rate >70 bpm evaluated with dual-source (group 1) and single-source (group 2) CT. The mean heart rate was 89.1 bpm in group 1 and 86.7 bpm in group 2 (P = 0.26). The mean number of assessable segments per patient was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (P 相似文献   

心率对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响

目的探讨心率对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响。方法80例健康体检者行16层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控条件下冠状动脉造影。每位患者的4条冠状动脉分支(左冠状动脉主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)分别用于图像质量分析。结果心率≤65次/m in有89.3%(100/112支)的图像可用于诊断;心率66~80次/m in有81.1%(198/244支)的图像可用于诊断;心率>80次/m in有64.3%(36/56支)的图像可用于诊断;心律不齐或前后波动>5次/m in有25%(8/32支)的血管可用于诊断。结论MSCTCA图像质量受心率影响,并与之呈负相关。     

64层探测器CT冠状动脉成像依据不同心率的最佳重建方案

目的:探讨64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像不同心率下冠状动脉各节段血管的最佳重建时相。方法:对61例患者行64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像,扫描后原始数据分别按R-R间期30%、35%、40%、45%、50%、60%、70%、75%的相位进行后处理重组,按扫描期间平均心率分组,Ⅰ组30例,心率70次/min;Ⅱ组31例,心率≥70次/min。分析不同心率组不同R-R时相对各支冠状动脉血管的显示情况。结果:Ⅰ组的所有的冠状动脉节段可以在单一的75%相位上获得最佳图像质量;Ⅱ组的所有冠状动脉可以在单一的45%或40%的相位上获得最佳图像质量,多时相重建并不能显著提高图像质量。结论:随着64层螺旋CT时间分辨率的充分发展,所有冠状动脉节段能在一个重建时相得到有诊断价值的图像,多时相重建并不能显著提高图像质量。     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像临床应用评价

目的:评价64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像(64SCTCA)的图像质量和在诊断冠状动脉疾病的临床价值。方法:搜集35例患者64SCTCA的完整资料,并以近期实施的选择性X线冠状动脉成像(SCA)结果为金标准进行对比,对64SCTCA显示的冠状动脉主支及主要分支情况进行分级评估。结果:35例病例可用于评估的冠状动脉共计368支,成功率达95.6%。其中SCA共显示74个节段冠脉有中、重度狭窄(≥50%)。MSCTCA诊断中重度狭窄的敏感性为86.5%,特异性为97.3%,阳性预测值88.9%,阴性预测值96.6%。经配对χ2检验,P>0.05,证明两种检查方法在发现冠状动脉病变方面差异无统计学意义。结论:64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像是一种无创、快速的成像方法,对诊断冠状动脉≥50%狭窄有较高的敏感性和特异性,适合用于临床怀疑冠心病的患者SCA前的筛选检查。     

Influence of cardiac hemodynamic parameters on coronary artery opacification with 64-slice computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), heart rate, and cardiac output (CO) on coronary artery opacification with 64-slice computed tomography (CT). Sixty patients underwent, retrospectively, electrocardiography-gated 64-slice CT coronary angiography. Left ventricular EF, SV, and CO were calculated with semi-automated software. Attenuation values were measured and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated in the proximal right coronary artery (RCA) and left main artery (LMA). Mean EF during scanning was 61.5±12.4%, SV was 63.2±15.6 ml, heart rate was 62.5±11.8 beats per minute (bpm), and CO was 3.88±1.06 l/min. There was no significant correlation between the EF and heart rate and the attenuation and CNR in either coronary artery. A significant negative correlation was found in both arteries between SV and attenuation (RCA r=−0.26, P<0.05; LMA r=−0.34, P<0.01) and between SV and CNR (RCA r=−0.26, P<0.05; LMA r=−0.26, P<0.05). Similarly, a significant negative correlation was found between the CO and attenuation (RCA r=−0.42, P<0.05; LMA r=−0.56, P<0.001) and between the CO and CNR (RCA r=−0.39, P<0.05; LMA r=−0.44, P<0.001). The actual hemodynamic status of the patient influences the coronary artery opacification with 64-slice CT, in that vessel opacification decreases as SV and CO increase.     

Effect of Heart Rate and Coronary Calcification on the Diagnostic Accuracy of the Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiography in Patients with Suspected Coronary Artery Disease

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography, with a particular focus on the effect of heart rate and calcifications.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and nine patients with suspected coronary disease were divided into 2 groups according to a mean heart rate (< 70 bpm and ≥ 70 bpm) and into 3 groups according to the mean Agatston calcium scores (≤ 100, 101-400, and > 400). Next, the effect of heart rate and calcification on the accuracy of coronary artery stenosis detection was analyzed by using an invasive coronary angiography as a reference standard. Coronary segments of less than 1.5 mm in diameter in an American Heart Association (AHA) 15-segment model were independently assessed.

Results

The mean heart rate during the scan was 71.8 bpm, whereas the mean Agatston score was 226.5. Of the 1,588 segments examined, 1,533 (97%) were assessable. A total of 17 patients had calcium scores above 400 Agatston U, whereas 50 had heart rates ≥ 70 bpm. Overall the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for significant stenoses were: 95%, 91%, 65%, and 99% (by segment), respectively and 97%, 90%, 81%, and 91% (by artery), respectively (n = 475). Heart rate showed no significant impact on lesion detection; however, vessel calcification did show a significant impact on accuracy of assessment for coronary segments. The specificity, PPV and accuracy were 96%, 80%, and 96% (by segment), respectively for an Agatston score less than 100% and 99%, 96% and 98% (by artery). For an Agatston score of greater to or equal to 400 the specificity, PPV and accuracy were reduced to 79%, 55%, and 83% (by segment), respectively and to 79%, 69%, and 85% (by artery), respectively.

Conclusion

The DSCT provides a high rate of accuracy for the detection of significant coronary artery disease, even in patients with high heart rates and evidence of coronary calcification. However, patients with severe coronary calcification (> 400 U) remain a challenge to diagnose.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像诊断冠状动脉狭窄的初步探讨

目的：探讨64层螺旋CT（MSCT）冠状动脉成像对冠状动脉狭窄的诊断价值。方法：53例冠心病患者同期均行64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像和常规冠状动脉造影（CCA）,以CCA的诊断结果作为金标准,采用美国心脏协会冠状动脉改良分段法,分析745个冠状动脉节段MSCT图像质量及对冠状动脉狭窄的显示情况,得出有意义病变（冠状动脉狭窄率≥500%）MSCT诊断的正确性,并分析钙化对其影响。结果：587个冠状动脉节段图像可以满足诊断要求,158个节段因运动伪影（27个节段）或管壁严重钙化（131个节段）无法进行血管评价。MSCT诊断冠状动脉狭窄的敏感度为93．4％、特异度为97．9％、阳性预测值为93．9％、阴性预测值为97．7％。钙化积分≥1000的患者,MSCT诊断冠状动脉狭窄的特异度、敏感度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为74％、82％、68％、96％。结论：64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像是一种快速、安全、无创的检查方法,与常规冠状动脉造影检查结果有较好的一致性,可以作为临床怀疑冠心病患者的首选检查方法。     

Detection of myocardial bridge and evaluation of its anatomical properties by coronary multislice spiral computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridge (MB) is a common anatomical condition, under which a part of the coronary artery running in the epicardial adipose tissue, is covered with myocardial tissue. It regulates atherosclerosis development and sometimes evokes coronary heart disease through haemodynamic alterations. We attempted to efficiently detect MB and evaluate the anatomical properties of MB by coronary multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT). METHODS: Sixteen-row MSCT was conducted on 148 patients with coronary heart disease. MSCT images were reconstructed and reformed with transverse scans, curved planar reformat and three-dimensional volume-rendered images. The MB, over 1.0 mm in thickness, was identified by the presence of the "step-down and step-up" appearance. After "trial and error" essays, we could consistently examine the frequency of MB and evaluate the anatomical properties of MB, especially its thickness, together with coronary wall lesions. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (15.8%) had MB over 1.0 mm in thickness: 21 MBs (87.5%) were located in the left anterior descending artery with a mean thickness and length of 1.8+/-0.7 and 20.0+/-8.6 mm. Moreover, although the tunneled segment beneath MB was always free of coronary wall lesions, 79.2% (19/24) of the segments proximal to MB demonstrated coronary wall lesions. Of special significance were three symptomatic MB patients without any atherosclerotic lesion throughout all the coronary arteries. CONCLUSION: Coronary MSCT is a new imaging technique that provides a non-invasive diagnostic tool for MB and yields much better results of MB detection than previous imaging methods.     

Optimal image reconstruction intervals for non-invasive coronary angiography with 64-slice CT

The reconstruction intervals providing best image quality for non-invasive coronary angiography with 64-slice computed tomography (CT) were evaluated. Contrast-enhanced, retrospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-gated 64-slice CT coronary angiography was performed in 80 patients (47 male, 33 female; mean age 62.1±10.6 years). Thirteen data sets were reconstructed in 5% increments from 20 to 80% of the R-R interval. Depending on the average heart rate during scanning, patients were grouped as <65 bpm (n=49) and ≥65 bpm (n=31). Two blinded and independent readers assessed the image quality of each coronary segment with a diameter ≥1.5 mm using the following scores: 1, no motion artifacts; 2, minor artifacts; 3, moderate artifacts; 4, severe artifacts; and 5, not evaluative. The average heart rate was 63.3±13.1 bpm (range 38–102). Acceptable image quality (scores 1–3) was achieved in 99.1% of all coronary segments (1,162/1,172; mean image quality score 1.55±0.77) in the best reconstruction interval. Best image quality was found at 60% and 65% of the R-R interval for all patients and for each heart rate subgroup, whereas motion artifacts occurred significantly more often (P<0.01) at other reconstruction intervals. At heart rates <65 bpm, acceptable image quality was found in all coronary segments at 60%. At heart rates ≥65 bpm, the whole coronary artery tree could be visualized with acceptable image quality in 87% (27/31) of the patients at 60%, while ten segments in four patients were rated as non-diagnostic (scores 4–5) at any reconstruction interval. In conclusion, 64-slice CT coronary angiography provides best overall image quality in mid-diastole. At heart rates <65 bpm, diagnostic image quality of all coronary segments can be obtained at a single reconstruction interval of 60%.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉图像质量控制研究:最佳重组时相与心率关系

目的量化评估64层螺旋CT冠状动脉各分支不同重组时相图像质量,探讨冠状动脉CT成像最佳重组时相与心率关系。资料与方法102例患者均采用64层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控冠状动脉成像,男68例,女34例,平均年龄(58.1±9.7)岁,平均心率(66.4±11.5)次/min。心率<65次/min(n=43)为Ⅰ组,65～75次/min(n=34)为Ⅱ组,>75次/min(n=25)为Ⅲ组,每例患者的4支冠状动脉(左主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)共分为12个节段用于图像质量分析。扫描原始数据以间隔5%在20%～80%时相分别回顾性重组冠状动脉图像,采用横断位、曲面重组、容积再现等方法对图像质量综合评分。结果Ⅰ组60%、65%和70%为最佳时相,Ⅱ组60%、65%时相为最佳时相,Ⅲ组右冠状动脉较优时相为35%、40%,左冠状动脉较优时相为60%、65%。结论心率和重组时相的选择是决定冠状动脉图像质量的重要因素。平均心率≤75次/min,冠状动脉各分支图像质量在心脏运动的舒张中期(60%、65%)最佳;>75次/min时,左右冠状动脉分别进行重组能明显提高冠状动脉的成像质量。     

16层螺旋CT冠状动脉病变的诊断价值

目的评价16层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影对冠状动脉病变的诊断价值。方法对80例冠心病(76例拟冠心病患者,4例冠状动脉支架及搭桥术后患者)行多层螺旋CT(MSCT)增强扫描及后处理。结果80例中共显示斑块204处,其中硬斑块128处,软斑块96处,尤以左前降支为最多;冠状动脉狭窄共60例,其中轻度狭窄36例,中度狭窄16例,重度狭窄8例,仍以左前降支为多。心脏肿瘤3例,中纵隔囊肿1例,主动脉夹层3例,真性动脉瘤1例,大血管畸形3例。结论16层螺旋CT对冠状动脉狭窄程度,斑块性质的评价,具有较高的应用价值,是安全、准确、可靠的冠心病诊断方法。     

Image quality and radiation dose in 256-slice cardiac computed tomography: Comparison of prospective versus retrospective image acquisition protocols

Purpose

To assess coronary artery image quality and patient radiation exposure in patients who underwent clinically indicated 256-slice CTA.

Methods

Consecutive patients (n = 193) underwent 256-slice CTA, using (1) retrospective gating without radiation dose modulation, (2) retrospective gating with radiation dose modulation and (3) prospective gating. Image quality was determined by consensus of two experienced observers using a 5-grade scale. The effective dose was calculated.

Results

In all patients, CTA was performed without adverse events. Retrospective CTA was assessed in 39 patients with and 39 without dose modulation, while 115 patients underwent prospective CTA. Heart rate was related to image quality with all protocols (r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Up to a heart rate of 75 bpm no significant difference in overall image quality was observed for all three protocols, while no significant differences could be observed between retrospective CTA with and without dose modulation for any segments or heart rates. Prospective and retrospective CTA with dose modulation showed radiation savings of ∼75% and ∼30%, respectively compared to retrospective CTA without dose modulation (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In patients with heart rates up to 75 bpm prospective CTA should be the first choice acquisition protocol. For heart rates >75 bpm, retrospective CTA with dose modulation should be considered.     

Diagnostic accuracy of 64 multislice CT angiography in the assessment of coronary in-stent restenosis: A meta-analysis

Purpose

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice CT angiography for the detection of coronary in-stent restenosis in patients treated with coronary stents when compared to conventional coronary angiography.

Materials and methods

A search of PUBMED/MEDLINE, ProQuest and Cochrane library databases for English literature was performed. Only studies comparing 64-slice CT angiography with conventional coronary angiography for the detection of coronary in-stent restenosis (more than 50% stenosis) were included for analysis. Sensitivity and specificity estimates pooled across studies were tested using a fixed effects model.

Results

Fourteen studies met selection criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The mean value of assessable stents was 89%. Prevalence of in-stent restenosis following coronary stenting was 20% among these studies. Pooled estimates of the sensitivity and specificity of overall 64-slice CT angiography for the detection of coronary in-stent restenosis was 90% (95% CI: 86%, 94%) and 91% (95% CI: 90%, 93%), respectively, based on the evaluation of assessable stents. Diagnostic value of 64-slice CT angiography was found to decrease significantly when the analysis was performed with inclusion of nonassessable segments in five studies, with pooled sensitivity and specificity being 79% (95% CI: 68%, 88%) and 81% (95% CI: 77%, 84%). Stent diameter is the main factor affecting the diagnostic value of 64-slice CT angiography.

Conclusion

Our results showed that 64-slice CT angiography has high diagnostic value (both sensitivity and specificity) for detection of coronary in-stent restenosis based on assessable segments when compared to conventional coronary angiography.     

直接屏气方式对64层CT冠状动脉造影的影响

目的：评价平静呼吸下直接屏气法对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影成功率的影响。方法：69例患者应用SIEMENS SOMATOM Sensation 64层螺旋CT进行冠状动脉造影,扫描时采用平静呼吸下直接屏气的方式。采集的原始图像采用容积再现技术（VRT）,多平面重建（MPR）,曲面重建（CPR）和最大密度投影（MIP）等,对冠状动脉主要分支（RCA、LM、LAD、LCX）图像采用双盲法进行评估。结果：通过采用平静呼吸下直接屏气,根据心率不同分为四组。A组：心率为≤60次／分,心率波动为1～3次／分,95．8％（92／96）的图像符合诊断要求;B组：心率为61-70次／分,心率波动为1-4次／分,93．3％（97／104）的图像符合诊断要求;c组：心率为在71—80次／分,心率波动为1—4次／分,87．5％（49／56）的图像符合诊断要求;D组：心率≥81次／分,心率波动为2—5次／分,33．3％（4／12）的图像符合诊断要求。结论：应用64层螺旋CT进行冠状动脉造影,采用平静呼吸下直接屏气降低多数患者的心率和减少其心率波动．从而提高检杳的成功率。