Image quality and radiation dose of coronary CT angiography performed with whole-heart coverage CT scanner with intra-cycle motion correction algorithm in patients with atrial fibrillation

Objectives

To evaluate image quality, coronary evaluability and radiation exposure of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) performed with whole-heart coverage cardiac-CT in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Materials and methods

We prospectively enrolled 164 patients with AF who underwent a clinically indicated CCTA with a 16-cm z-axis coverage scanner. In all patients CCTA was performed using prospective ECG-triggering with targeted RR interval. We evaluated image quality, coronary evaluability and effective dose (ED). Patients were divided in two subgroups based on heart rate (HR) during imaging. Group 1: 64 patients with low HR (<75 bpm), group 2: 100 patients with high HR (≥75 bpm). Written informed consent was obtained from all patients and the institutional ethics committee approved the study protocol.

Results

In a segment-based analysis, coronary evaluability was 98.4 % (2,577/2,620 segments) in the whole population, without significant differences between groups (1,013/1,024 (98.9 %) and 1,565/1,596 (98.1 %), for groups 1 and 2, respectively, p=0.15). Mean ED was similar in both groups (3.8±1.9 mSv and 3.9±2.1 mSv in groups 1 and 2, respectively, p=0.75)

Conclusions

The whole-heart-coverage scanner could evaluate coronary arteries with high image quality and without increase in radiation exposure in AF patients, even in the high HR group.

Key points

? Last-generation CT scanner improves coronary artery assessment in AF patients. ? The new CT scanner enables low radiation exposure in AF patients. ? Diagnostic ICA maybe avoided in AF patients with suspected CAD. ? Whole-heart coverage CT scanner enables low radiation exposure in AF patients.

     

Rationale and design of advantage (additional diagnostic value of CT perfusion over coronary CT angiography in stented patients with suspected in-stent restenosis or coronary artery disease progression) prospective study

BackgroundRecent studies demonstrated a significant improvement in the diagnostic performance of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) for the evaluation of in-stent restenosis (ISR). However, coronary stent assessment is still challenging, especially because of beam-hardening artifacts due to metallic stent struts and high atherosclerotic burden of non-stented segments. Adenosine-stress myocardial perfusion assessed by CT (CTP) recently demonstrated to be a feasible and accurate tool for evaluating the functional significance of coronary stenoses in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Yet, scarce data are available on the performance of CTP in patients with previous stent implantation.Aim of the studyWe aim to assess the diagnostic performance of CCTA alone, CTP alone and CCTA plus CTP performed with a new scanner generation using quantitative invasive coronary angiography (ICA) and invasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) as standard of reference.MethodsWe will enroll 300 consecutive patients with previous stent implantation, referred for non-emergent and clinically indicated invasive coronary angiography (ICA) due to suspected ISR or progression of CAD in native coronary segments. All patients will be subjected to stress myocardial CTP and a rest CCTA. The first 150 subjects will undergo static CTP scan, while the following 150 patients will undergo dynamic CTP scan. Measurement of invasive FFR will be performed during ICA when clinically indicated.ResultsThe primary study end points will be: 1) assessment of the diagnostic performance (diagnostic rate, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy) of CCTA, CTP, combined CCTA-CTP and concordant CCTA-CTP vs. ICA as standard of reference in a territory-based and patient-based analysis; 2) assessment of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy of CCTA, CTP, combined CCTA-CTP and concordant CCTA-CTP vs. invasive FFR as standard of reference in a territory-based analysis.ConclusionsThe ADVANTAGE study aims to provide an answer to the intriguing question whether the combined anatomical and functional assessment with CCTA plus CTP may have higher diagnostic performance as compared to CCTA alone in identifying stented patients with significant ISR or CAD progression.     

Performance of turbo high-pitch dual-source CT for coronary CT angiography: first ex vivo and patient experience

Objectives

To evaluate image quality, maximal heart rate allowing for diagnostic imaging, and radiation dose of turbo high-pitch dual-source coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA).

Methods

First, a cardiac motion phantom simulating heart rates (HRs) from 60-90 bpm in 5-bpm steps was examined on a third-generation dual-source 192-slice CT (prospective ECG-triggering, pitch 3.2; rotation time, 250 ms). Subjective image quality regarding the presence of motion artefacts was interpreted by two readers on a four-point scale (1, excellent; 4, non-diagnostic). Objective image quality was assessed by calculating distortion vectors. Thereafter, 20 consecutive patients (median, 50 years) undergoing clinically indicated CCTA were included.

Results

In the phantom study, image quality was rated diagnostic up to the HR75 bpm, with object distortion being 1 mm or less. Distortion increased above 1 mm at HR of 80-90 bpm. Patients had a mean HR of 66 bpm (47-78 bpm). Coronary segments were of diagnostic image quality for all patients with HR up to 73 bpm. Average effective radiation dose in patients was 0.6?±?0.3 mSv.

Conclusions

Our combined phantom and patient study indicates that CCTA with turbo high-pitch third-generation dual-source 192-slice CT can be performed at HR up to 75 bpm while maintaining diagnostic image quality, being associated with an average radiation dose of 0.6 mSv.

Key points

? CCTA is feasible with the turbo high-pitch mode. ? Turbo high-pitch CCTA provides diagnostic image quality up to 73 bpm. ? The radiation dose of high-pitch CCTA is 0.6 mSv on average.     

Diagnostic performance of free-breathing coronary computed tomography angiography without heart rate control using 16-cm z-coverage CT with motion-correction algorithm

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in patients with free-breathing using 16-cm z-coverage CT with motion correction algorithm.Methods616 patients underwent CCTA without heart rate control. 325 examinations were performed during breath-holding (group A), and the remaining 291 were performed during free-breathing (group B). The image quality scores were defined as 1 (excellent), 2 (good), 3 (adequate), and 4 (poor). 22 patients in group A and 24 in group B underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) after CCTA within two weeks. The image quality score, diagnostic accuracy using ICA as reference, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and effective dose (ED) were compared between the two groups.ResultsMean heart rate during scanning was 70.8 ± 13.8 bpm in group A and 70.7 ± 13.2 bpm in group B (P = .950). No significant differences were observed in SNR and image quality score (1.49 ± 0.62 vs. 1.53 ± 0.67; P = .647) between the breath-holding and free-breathing groups. ED (1.99 ± 0.83 mSv vs. 2.01 ± 0.88 mSv) was not significantly different between the two groups (P = .975). In a segment-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy in the detection of coronary stenosis of more than 50% were 82.1%, 96.8% and 92.2%, respectively in the breath-holding group and 82.2%, 96.6% and 92.2%, respectively in the free-breathing group with no significant differences for these parameters between the two groups.ConclusionsCCTA for patients without heart rate control and during free-breathing using 16-cm z-coverage CT with motion correction algorithm showed no significant difference in image quality and diagnostic performance compared with CCTA during breath-holding.     

256层螺旋CT低剂量冠状动脉成像研究

目的：评价256层CT前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像的图像质量与辐射剂量,并与回顾性心电门控对照分析。方法 共200例患者纳入研究。100例行前瞻性心电门控的患者分为2组：(1)心率≤70次/min( bpm )50例,数据采集时间窗设在心动周期的75％期相（A组）;(2)心率＞70 bpm 50例,数据采集时间窗设在心动周期的45％期相,包含5％宽容度（B组）。另外100例行回顾性心电门控的患者亦分为2组：(3)心率≤70 bpm 50例,最大管电流输出设在75％期相（C组）;(4)心率＞ 70 bpm 50例,最大管电流输出设在45％与75％期相（D组）。所有患者由数字表法随机分组。采用4分法半定量分析冠状动脉节段及整体评分。采用Mann-Whitney U检验比较组间图像质量,采用t检验比较组间的辐射剂量;并对100例前瞻性心电门控检查者冠状动脉图像质量与平均心率进行ROC分析及相关分析。结果 在共2338个冠状动脉节段中,图像质量优秀或良好（评分1或2分）者A组中达到96.5％( 585/606),B组为77.7％(445/573),C组为96.1％( 548/570),D组为85.7％ (505/589),冠状动脉节段图像质量A组与C组比较差异无统计学意义（Z＝ -1.351,P＞0.05）;B组和D组差异有统计学意义（Z＝-2.236,P＜0.05）。前瞻性心电门控检查ROC分析及相关分析显示,平均心率与冠状动脉图像质量密切相关(r＝0.577,P＜0.01),平均心率78 bpm可做为满足诊断图像的最高临界点心率（ROC曲线下面积为0.827,P＜0.05）。A组[(2.6±0.5)mSv]相对C组[(10.6 ±2.3) mSy]平均辐射剂量减少75％,B组[(4.0 ±0.7) mSy]相对D组[ (13.0±1.4) mSy]平均辐射剂量减少69％。结论 256层CT低剂量前瞻性心电门控成像可获得与回顾性心电门控相似的满足诊断需要的图像质量,并可应用于高心率检查者。     

双源CT前瞻性心电门控对较高心率患者冠状动脉成像的准确性研究

目的 评价双源CT(DSCT)前瞻性心电门控对较高心率(HR)冠状动脉成像图像质量及诊断冠心病(CAD)的准确性.方法 回顾性分析103例连续患者的有创冠状动脉造影(ICA)和DSCT前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像资料,根据患者DSCT扫描时的心率分成3组,低心率组[<60次/min(bpm)]34例、中等心率组(60-70 bpm)36例和较高心率组(HR>70 bpm)33例.分析各组DSCT冠状动脉成像的图像质量(1～4分),以ICA为金标准,评价不同心率下DSCT前瞻性心电门控诊断CAD(狭窄≥50%)的敏感度和特异度,差异性用x2检验.结果 共1648个冠状动脉节段中的1580个(95.9%)能够满足诊断的图像质量要求,低、中、较高心率3组图像质量评分分别为(3.1±0.3)、(3.1±0.3)和(3.0±0.4)分(x2=2.80,P>0.05).各组诊断CAD的敏感度、特异度分别为82.8%(77/93)和98.4%(428/435),88.3%(91/103)和98.7%(442/448),80.3%(57/71)和98.6%(424/430)(x2值分别为0.69和0.13,P值均>0.05).总体ROC曲线下面积为0.94(95%可信区间为0.92～0.96),平均有效辐射剂量为(3.60±1.60)mSv.结论 DSCT前瞻性心电门控能够用于较高心率患者的冠状动脉成像,与较低心率组在诊断CAD时差异无统计学意义.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-source CT(DSCT)prospective ECG-triggering coronary angiography in patients with different heart rate(HR).Methods One hundred and three patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent DSCT prospective ECG-triggered coronary angiography and invasive coronary angiography(ICA).The patients were grouped by HR during CT scans:low HR(<60 bpm,n=34),medium HR(60-70 bpm,n=36)and high HR(>70 bpm,n=33).Image quality was scored using a 4-point scale.The sensitivity and specificity of DSCT in detecting≥50%stenosis were compared among subgroups where ICA was the gold standard.The differences were compared by using the X2 test of contingency on a per-segment and per-vessel basis.Results Image quality of 1580 coronary artery segments in 1648(95.9%)met the requirements for diagnosis.The image quality scores were(3.1±0.3),(3.1±0.3)and(3.0±0.4)point for subgroups(X2=2.80,P>0.05).Sensitivity and specificity were 82.8%(77/93)and 98.4%(428/435),88.3%(91/103)and 98.7%(442/448),and 80.3%(57/71)and 98.6%(424/430)for different subgroups(X2 were 0.69 and 0.13,all P>0.05).The overall area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was 0.94(95%CI=0.92-0.96).The average effective radiation dose was(3.60±1.60)mSv.Conclusion DSCT coronary angiography with prospective ECG-triggering could be used for patients with high HR.And the diagnostic accuracy was not statistical significant between the patients with low HR and patients with medium to high HR.     

Evaluation of CT coronary artery angiography with 320-row detector CT in a high-risk population

Objectives

The aim of this article was to prospectively evaluate the accuracy and radiation dose of 320-detector row dynamic volume CT (DVCT) for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a high-risk population.

Methods

60 patients with a high risk of CAD underwent DVCT without preceding heart rate control and also underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA), which served as the standard reference.

Results

On a per segment analysis, overall sensitivity was 95.3%, specificity was 97.6%, positive predictive value was 90.6%, negative predictive value was 98.8% and Youden index was 0.93. In both heart rate subgroups, diagnostic accuracy for the assessment of coronary artery stenosis was similar. The accuracy of the subgroup with an Agatston score ≥100 was lower than that for patients with an Agatston score <100. However, the difference between DVCT and ICA results was not significant (p=0.08). The mean estimated effective dose of CT was 12.5±9.4 mSv. In those patients with heart rates less than 70 beats per minute (bpm), the mean radiation exposure of DVCT was 5.2±0.9 mSv. The effective radiation dose was significantly lower than that of ICA (14.1±5.9 mSv) (p<0.001). When the heart rate was >70 bpm, a significantly higher dose was delivered to patients with DVCT (22.6±5.2 mSv, p<0.001) than with ICA (15.0±5.3 mSv, p<0.001).

Conclusion

DVCT reliably provides high diagnostic accuracy without heart rate/rhythm control. However, from a dosimetric point of view, it is recommended that heart rate should be controlled to <70 bpm to decrease radiation dose.The small diameter of the coronary segments, their complex three-dimensional geometry and their rapid movement throughout the cardiac cycle represent the major challenges for artefact-free coronary CT angiography (CTA). With each scanner generation, motion artefacts re-appear as a major cause of image quality degradation during coronary CTA [1-10]. Coronary CTA studies of each coronary artery with four-multidetector CT (MDCT) at a gantry rotation time of 500 ms had significantly decreased image quality with increasing mean heart rates [3]. Using 16-MDCT at a gantry rotation time of 420 ms, Hoffmann et al [2] found a significant negative correlation between overall image quality and mean heart rate. Even using 64-section CT, with its gantry rotation speed of 330 ms, elevated and irregular heart beats were found to cause relevant degradation of image quality [1,4,9,11]. Using dual-source CT (DSCT) with an increased temporal resolution of 83 ms, there was no significant correlation between mean heart rate and the overall image quality for any coronary segment or for any individual coronary artery. Nonetheless, irregular heart rates still slightly affect the image quality of non-invasive coronary angiography, even with DSCT [10,12].The 320-detector row dynamic volume CT (DVCT) is characterised by 320 slice detectors with a thickness of 0.5 mm and gantry rotation time of 350 ms. With a wide coverage of 16 cm in the z-axis, the whole heart can be covered within one cardiac cycle. Theoretically, DVCT makes it possible to scan patients with an irregular heart rate without “stair-step” artefacts. At the same time, DVCT avoids the overlapping rotations of helical CT, and the application of prospective echocardiogram (ECG) gating has become more feasible. Recent studies of DVCT have mainly been based on a low heart rate [13-17]. Few studies have investigated the diagnostic accuracy in higher heart rates and arrhythmia. Our purpose was to systematically evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and exposure dose of DVCT in a high-risk population with high and irregular heart rates.     

Utility of coronary CT angiography in outpatients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy presenting with angina symptoms

BackgroundAngina is a frequent symptom in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); however, it is often not because of significant epicardial coronary artery stenosis. Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is an excellent modality to rule out significant coronary artery stenosis in the low- and intermediate-risk patients; however, its value in patients with HCM has not been explored. We sought to assess the utility of CCTA in the assessment of patients with HCM and stable anginal symptoms and compare the incidence of epicardial coronary artery stenosis to an age- and gender-matched control group.MethodsConsecutive outpatients with HCM referred for CCTA over a 3-year period because of stable anginal symptoms (chest pain or shortness of breath) were identified retrospectively. Age- and gender-matched patients without HCM referred for CCTA because of similar symptoms over a 6-month period were used as controls. All patients had CCTA using an Aquilion ONE 320 scanner. The coronary arteries were evaluated independently by 2 blinded observers, and any luminal narrowing was scored quantitatively as follows: >70% = severe; 50% to 70% = moderate; <50% = mild; and none. For the HCM group, results of cardiac single-photon emission CT (SPECT) or cardiac magnetic resonance perfusion studies as well as catheter angiograms were recorded where available.ResultsA total of 91 patients with HCM and 91 controls were included. No significant difference in cardiac risk factors was present between the 2 groups. The CCTA was of diagnostic quality in all patients. The median (interquartile range) calcium score was lower in patients with HCM (0 [0–50] vs 2 [0–189]) but did not reach statistical significance (P = .23). The incidence of moderate-to-severe coronary artery stenosis was significantly lower in patients with HCM than in controls (6.6% vs 33.0%; P < .001). The incidence of left anterior descending artery luminal narrowing overall was also significantly lower in the HCM patients (7.0% vs 20.9%; P = .002). There was a higher incidence of myocardial bridging in patients with HCM (40.7% vs 6.6%; P < .001), with longer and deeper bridged segments. Among a subgroup of HCM patients (n = 24) who had either stress perfusion CMR or cardiac single-photon emission CT studies performed, 15 of 24 had false-positive perfusion abnormalities without evidence of luminal obstruction on CCTA.ConclusionWe demonstrate the use of CCTA for the assessment of stable anginal symptoms in patients with HCM. The incidence of moderate-to-severe coronary artery stenosis was significantly lower in our HCM patients in comparison to our age-matched, gender-matched, and risk factor–matched control group. Given the high incidence of false-positive findings on perfusion stress studies, we propose that CCTA may be useful for appropriate triage to coronary angiography in the HCM patient with anginal symptoms.     

Feasibility of coronary CT angiography for guidance of CABG

ObjectiveTo assess the clinical safety and effectiveness of coronary revascularization in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) based exclusively on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) results.Methods53 patients (62.3 ± 7.1 years) underwent CCTA before a CABG surgery without prior invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Primary endpoints were all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The secondary endpoint was quality of life (QoL) assessed with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). All were collected one year after the surgery.ResultsCCTA revealed multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD) in 52 patients. Indication for bypass surgery was made exclusively based on CCTA results. 136 distal anastomoses were performed. Assessment at 1 year (13.3 ± 1.4 months) was completed in 98.1% of the patients. MACE and mortality rates were 0%. The MLHFQ total score was 21.8 ± 8.7, and active lifestyle was maintained in all patients.ConclusionsIn this proof of concept prospective pilot study, we observed that non-invasive coronary angiography may provide adequate anatomic detail to guide CABG surgery. Further study of this concept is warranted.     

第二代双源CT冠状动脉成像前门控大螺距扫描的初步经验

目的:初步分析第二代双源CT前瞻性心电触发大螺距扫描(Flash模式)行心脏冠状动脉成像的图像质量,同时观察扫描的辐射剂量.方法:回顾性分析了87例第二代双源CT使用Flash扫描模式(前瞻性心电触发选在60% R-R间期,螺距3.4)行冠脉成像患者的图像质量.分别由2名医师采用4级法进行综合评估,1～3级图像为可评估,能用于影像诊断,4级为不可评估; 根据美国心脏学会冠脉16段分段法,对各段图像质量进行分级评估;再根据扫描心率,分成≤65次/min和＞65次/min 2组病例,比较2组间图像质量的差异;统计分析此种扫描模式的平均辐射剂量.结果:共评价冠脉1 047段,可用于诊断的节段占97.3%,不可评价节段占2.7%;平均心率≤65次/min组可评价血管节段为99.5%,平均心率＞65次/min 组可评价血管节段是89.1%,2组图像质量差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).平均每例扫描辐射剂量为(1.25±0.45)mSv.结论:使用Flash模式行冠脉CTA扫描图像质量较高;对于心律较整齐患者,影响其图像质量的主要因素是心率,在60%R-R间期采集时,扫描时心率≤65次/min图像质量较心率＞65次/min可评价比例明显提高;此种模式较其他扫描模式辐射剂量显著降低.     

The value of Coronary Artery computed Tomography as the first-line anatomical test for stable patients with indications for invasive angiography due to suspected Coronary Artery Disease: CAT-CAD randomized trial

BackgroundThe aim of this prospective, randomized trial was to evaluate whether the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as the first-line anatomical test in patients with suspected significant coronary artery disease (CAD) may reduce the number of coronary invasive angiographies (ICA), and expand the use of CCTA in patients currently diagnosed invasively.Methods120 patients (age:60.6 ± 7.9 years, 35% female) with indications to ICA were randomized 1:1 to undergo CCTA versus direct ICA. Outcomes were evaluated during the diagnostic and therapeutic periods.ResultsThe number of invasively examined patients was reduced by 64.4% in the CCTA group as compared to the direct ICA group (21vs59,p < 0.0001). The number of patients with ICAs not followed by coronary intervention was reduced by 88.1% with the CCTA strategy (5vs42,p < 0.0001). Over the diagnostic and therapeutic course there were no significant differences regarding the median volume of contrast (CCTA 80.3 ml[65.0–165.0] vs ICA 90.0 ml[55.0–100.0], p = 0.099), while a non-significant trend towards higher radiation dose in the CCTA group was observed (9.9 mSv[7.0–22.1] vs 9.4 mSv[5.2–14.0], p = 0.05). There were no acute cardiovascular events.ConclusionsCCTA may hypothetically act as an effective ‘gatekeeper’ to the catheterization laboratory in the diagnosis of stable patients with current indications for ICA. This strategy may result in non-invasive, outpatient-based triage of two thirds of individuals without actionable CAD, obviating unnecessary invasive examinations. However, the longer follow-up is indispensable.ClinicalTrials.gov numberNCT02591992     

第二代双源CT前门控冠状动脉成像与冠状动脉造影比较的初步研究

目的:探讨第二代双源CT前门控冠状动脉成像(CTCA)对冠状动脉狭窄病变的诊断价值。方法:连续44例同期行第二代双源CT前门控CTCA(其中前门控序列扫描35例,前门控大螺距螺旋扫描9例)及选择性冠状动脉造影(SCA)检查的患者,按冠脉病变狭窄程度分为:无狭窄;轻度狭窄(狭窄≤50%);中度狭窄(狭窄50%～75%);重度狭窄(狭窄≥75%);闭塞(狭窄100%),将中度及中度以上狭窄定义为有意义狭窄。以SCA为金标准,分析第二代双源CT前门控CTCA诊断冠状动脉狭窄的敏感性、特异性、阳性和阴性预测值及准确度,同时计算第二代双源CT前门控CTCA的辐射剂量。结果:44例患者冠脉直径2mm以上的节段共570个,其中12段图像质量较差,无法评估,可评估节段占97.89%。第二代双源CT前门控CTCA按冠脉节段计算,诊断冠状动脉狭窄的敏感度、特异度、阳性和阴性预测值、准确度分别为90.18%、93.05%、76.52%、97.42%、92.47%,诊断冠状动脉有意义狭窄的敏感度、特异度、阳性和阴性预测值、准确度分别为90.14%、95.69%、75.29%、98.52%、94.98%。第二代双源CT前门控CTCA与SCA比较对冠状动脉狭窄评价的差异无统计学意义(χ2=2.10,P>0.05),对冠状动脉有意义狭窄评价的差异无统计学意义(χ2=1.46,P>0.05)。第二代双源CT前门控CT-CA的平均辐射剂量为(3.36±1.59)mSv,其中前门控序列扫描的平均辐射剂量为(3.99±1.18)mSv,前门控大螺距螺旋扫描的平均辐射剂量为(1.11±0.44)mSv。结论:第二代双源CT前门控成像对诊断冠状动脉狭窄的准确度稍低于SCA,但其阴性预测值较高,同时其辐射剂量较低,可作为临床冠心病筛查的无创性检查手段。     

Effect of a novel motion correction algorithm (SSF) on the image quality of coronary CTA with intermediate heart rates: Segment-based and vessel-based analyses

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of SnapShot Freeze (SSF) reconstruction at an intermediate heart-rate (HR) range (65–75 bpm) and compare this method with single-sector reconstruction and bi-sector reconstruction on segmental and vessel bases in retrospective coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

Materials and methods

Retrospective electrocardiogram-gated CCTA was performed on 37 consecutive patients with HR between 65 and 75 bpm using a 64-row CT scanner. Retrospective single-sector reconstruction, bi-sector reconstruction, and SSF were performed for each patient. Multi-phase single-sector reconstruction was performed to select the optimal phase. SSF and bi-sector images were also reconstructed at the optimal phase. The images were interpreted in an intent-to-diagnose fashion by two experienced readers using a 5-point scale, with 3 points as diagnostically acceptable. Image quality among the three reconstruction groups were compared on per-patient, per-vessel, and per-segment bases.

Results

The average HR of the enrolled patients was 69.4 ± 2.7 bpm. A total of 111 vessels and 481 coronary segments were assessed. SSF provided significantly higher interpretability of the coronary segments than bi-sector reconstructions. The qualified and excellent rates of SSF (97.9% and 82.3%) were significantly higher than those of single-sector (92.9% and 66.3%) and bi-sector (90.9% and 64.7%) reconstructions. The image quality score (IQS) using SSF was also significantly higher than those of single-sector and bi-sector reconstructions both on per-patient and per-vessel bases. On per-segment analysis, IQS was improved in most segments (9/14).

Conclusion

The SSF algorithm can provide acceptable diagnostic image quality in coronary CTA for patients with intermediate HR.     

Diagnostic accuracy of dual-source CT coronary angiography with prospective ECG-triggering on different heart rate patients

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-source CT (DSCT) prospective ECG-triggering coronary angiography in patients with different heart rate (HR).

Methods

103 patients with suspected coronary artery disease underwent DSCT prospective ECG-triggered coronary angiography and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The patients were grouped by HR during CT scans: low HR (??60?bpm, n?=?34); medium HR (60?n?=?36) and high HR (>70?bpm, n?=?33). The sensitivity and specificity of DSCT in detecting ??50% stenosis were compared among subgroups where ICA was the gold standard. Image quality was scored using a 4-point scale.

Results

A total of 1,580 (95.9%) coronary artery segments were evaluable. Sensitivity and specificity were 82.8% and 98.4%, 88.3% and 98.7%, and 80.3% and 98.6% for different subgroups (all p?>?0.05). The overall area under the curve of the receiver-operating characteristic analysis was 0.94. The image quality scores were 3.1?±?0.3, 3.1?±?0.3 and 3.0?±?0.4 for subgroups (p?>?0.05). The overall average effective radiation dose was 3.60?±?1.60?mSv.

Conclusion

DSCT coronary angiography with prospective ECG-triggering could be just as accurate in patients with medium to high HR compared to those with low HR.     

Effect of low tube kV on radiation dose and image quality in retrospective ECG-gated coronary CT angiography

IntroductionCoronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a useful diagnostic imaging modality in the assessment of coronary artery disease. However, the potential risks due to exposure to ionizing radiation associated with CCTA have raised concerns.ObjectivesCCTA can be done with low dose technique to reduce radiation exposure, without compromise of image quality or diagnostic capabilities.Material and methodsForty patients referred for CCTA were examined with low kV (100 kV for patients ?85–61 kg and 80 kV for patients ?60 kg). The dose length product (DLP) were compared with other group (40 patients) with comparable body weight, scan length and acquisition parameters. The second group was selected from PACS database, for which CCTA was done with standard 120 kV.ResultsThere was considerable reduction of radiation dose about 40% with 100 kV and 60% with 80 kV compared to standard 120 kV CCTA protocols with preserved image quality.ConclusionThe use of lower tube voltage leads to significant reduction in radiation exposure in CCTA. Image quality in non-obese patients is not negatively influenced.     

Image quality, motion artifacts, and reconstruction timing of 64-slice coronary computed tomography angiography with 0.33-second rotation speed

OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the impact of patients' heart rate (HR) on coronary CTA image quality (IQ) and motion artifacts using a 64-slice scanner with 0.33/360 degrees rotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coronary CTA data sets of 32 patients (HR 65 bpm to 75 bpm, n = 7) examined on a 64-slice scanner (Sensation 64, Siemens Medical Solutions, Forchheim, Germany) with 0.33s/360 degrees gantry rotation speed were analyzed. All patients had suspicion of coronary artery disease. Data acquisition was performed using 64 x 0.6-mm collimation, and contrast enhancement was provided by injection of 80 mL of iopromide (5 mL/s + NaCl). Images were reconstructed throughout the RR interval using half-scan and dual-segment reconstruction. IQ was rated by 2 observers using a 3-point scale from excellent (1) to nondiagnostic (3) for coronary segments. Quality was correlated to the HR, time point of optimal IQ analyzed, and the benefit of dual-segment reconstruction evaluated. RESULTS: Overall mean IQ was 1.31 +/- 0.32 for all HR, with IQ being 1.08 +/- 0.12 for HR 65 bpm 75 bpm (P = 0.0003). Dual-segment reconstruction did not significantly improve IQ in any HR group (P = NS). Mean IQ was significantly better for LAD than for RCA (P < 0.0001) and LCX (P < 0.01). A total of 3.5% (11/318) of coronary artery segments were rated nondiagnostic by at least one reader based on motion artifacts. Although in HR < 65 bpm, the best IQ was predominately in diastole (93%), in HR > 75 bpm, the best IQ shifted to systole in most cases (86%). CONCLUSIONS: Temporal resolution at 0.33-second rotation allows for diagnostic IQ within a wide range of HR using half-scan reconstruction. With increasing HR the time point of best IQ shifts from mid-diastole to systole.     

Rationale and design of the ViCTORY (Validation of an Intracycle CT Motion CORrection Algorithm for Diagnostic AccuracY) trial

BackgroundCoronary CT angiography (CTA) has emerged as an effective noninvasive method for direct visualization of the coronary arteries, with high diagnostic performance compared with invasive coronary angiography (ICA). However, coronary CTA is prone to artifacts, including coronary motion, which may reduce its diagnostic performance. Intracycle motion compensation algorithms (MCAs) from a combination of software and hardware techniques now allow for correction of coronary motion, but the diagnostic performance of MCAs compared with traditional coronary CTA reconstruction methods remains unexplored.MethodsViCTORY (Validation of an Intracycle CT Motion CORrection Algorithm for Diagnostic AccuracY) is a prospective international multicenter trial of 218 patients which is designed to evaluate the performance of MCAs for the diagnosis of anatomically obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with an ICA reference standard, on a per-patient, per-vessel, and per-segment basis. Patients enrolled into ViCTORY will undergo investigational coronary CTA and clinically indicated ICA and will not receive heart rate-lowering medications before coronary CTA. Coronary CTA images will be reconstructed by conventional standard methods as well as by MCAs. Blinded core laboratory interpretation will be performed for coronary CTA and ICA in an intent-to-diagnose fashion.ResultsThe primary end point of ViCTORY is the per-patient diagnostic accuracy of MCAs for the diagnosis of anatomically obstructive CAD compared with ICA. Secondary end points will include other per-patient, per-vessel, and per-segment diagnostic performance characteristics, including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Other key secondary end points will include diagnostic interpretability, image quality, the upper heart rate threshold of utility of MCAs, and the additive value of MCAs to traditionally reconstructed coronary CTA.ConclusionViCTORY will determine whether MCAs improve the diagnosis of obstructive CAD in patients undergoing coronary CTA who are not receiving heart rate-lowering medications.     

The accuracy of coronary CT angiography in patients with coronary calcium score above 1000 Agatston Units: Comparison with quantitative coronary angiography

BackgroundHigh amounts of coronary artery calcium (CAC) pose challenges in interpretation of coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The accuracy of stenosis assessment by CCTA in patients with very extensive CAC is uncertain.MethodsRetrospective study was performed including patients who underwent clinically directed CCTA with CAC score >1000 and invasive coronary angiography within 90 days. Segmental stenosis on CCTA was graded by visual inspection with two-observer consensus using categories of 0%, 1–24%, 25–49%, 50–69%, 70–99%, 100% stenosis, or uninterpretable. Blinded quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) was performed on all segments with stenosis ≥25% by CCTA. The primary outcome was vessel-based agreement between CCTA and QCA, using significant stenosis defined by diameter stenosis ≥70%. Secondary analyses on a per-patient basis and inclusive of uninterpretable segments were performed.Results726 segments with stenosis ≥25% in 346 vessels within 119 patients were analyzed. Median coronary calcium score was 1616 (1221–2118). CCTA identification of QCA-based stenosis resulted in a per-vessel sensitivity of 79%, specificity of 75%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 45%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 93%, and accuracy 76% (68 false positive and 15 false negative). Per-patient analysis had sensitivity 94%, specificity 55%, PPV 63%, NPV 92%, and accuracy 72% (30 false-positive and 3 false-negative). Inclusion of uninterpretable segments had variable effect on sensitivity and specificity, depending on whether they are considered as significant or non-significant stenosis.ConclusionsIn patients with very extensive CAC (>1000 Agatston units), CCTA retained a negative predictive value ​> ​90% to identify lack of significant stenosis on a per-vessel and per-patient level, but frequently overestimated stenosis.     

Computed tomography coronary angiography with 370-millisecond gantry rotation time: evaluation of the best image reconstruction interval

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the best reconstruction window for noninvasive coronary angiography when using a 16-detector row computed tomography (CT) scanner with a gantry rotation time of 370 milliseconds. METHODS: In a pilot study, 189 coronary artery segments of 21 patients with a mean heart rate of 65 beats per minute (bpm, maximum: 45-94 bpm) were investigated using a 16-detector row CT scanner. Raw data were reconstructed in 10% increments from 40% to 70% of the RR interval. Two experienced observers independently evaluated the image quality of the coronary arteries in a segmental fashion. A 5-point ranking scale was applied, with 1 being very poor (no evaluation possible); 2, poor; 3, moderate; 4, good; and 5, very good. RESULTS: In the mean of all patients, the best reconstruction window was found to be at 60% of the RR interval. In patients with higher heart rates, the best reconstruction window was found to be at an earlier stage of the R wave-to-R wave interval. CONCLUSIONS: Initial results show that good diagnostic image quality could be achieved for all evaluated segments of the coronary tree with image reconstructions at 60% of the R wave-to-R wave interval in patients with heart rates of 70 bpm or less. Using a 16-detector row CT scanner with a gantry rotation time of 370 milliseconds, the need for adapting the reconstruction window to each segment for the best image quality was overcome in those cases. In patients with heart rates faster than 70 bpm, reconstructions at an earlier stage within the cardiac cycle were necessary.     

Dual source computed tomography coronary angiography in new onset cardiomyopathy

AIM:To evaluate safety and utility of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA) compared to invasive coronary angiography(ICA) in new cardiomyopathy.METHODS:Eighteen patients(mean age 56.5 years,10 males) who presented for evaluation of new onset heart failure with evidence of systolic dysfunction(ejection fraction < 40%) on echocardiography and recent ICA were prospectively enrolled.Patients with known coronary artery disease,atrial fibrillation,creatinine > 1.5 g/dL,and contraindication to intravenous contrast administration were excluded.CCTA was performed using a dual source 64-slice scanner.Mean heart rate was 75 beats per minute.Stenosis was graded for each coronary segment as:none,mild(< 50%),moderate(50%-70%),severe(> 70%),or non-evaluable.Ischemic cardiomyopathy(ICM) was diagnosed if severe stenosis was present in the left main,proximal left anterior descending artery,or two or more major arteries.RESULTS:Two patients were diagnosed with ICM by ICA.CCTA correctly identified 2 patients with ICM and 16 patients as non-ICM.CCTA successfully evaluated 240/246 coronary segments with an accuracy of 97.5%,sensitivity 70%,specificity 98.7%,positive predictive value of 70%,and negative predictive value of 98.7% for identifying severe stenosis on a per-segment level.CONCLUSION:Dual source 64-slice multi-detector CCTA is a safe,accurate,and non-invasive technique for diagnosing ICM in patients presenting during the acute phase of newly diagnosed cardiomyopathy.