Non-invasive coronary artery evaluation with multidetector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 16-slice multidetector spiral computed tomography in the non-invasive detection of coronary artery disease compared to invasive coronary angiography. DESIGN: Prospective study. PATIENTS: We studied 35 patients, 21 men and 14 women, mean age 63.6+/-13.8 years, who underwent elective invasive coronary angiography one week prior to undergoing 16-slice multidetector computed tomography. METHODS: We used a Toshiba Aquilion 16-slice system. Helical acquisition was performed with breath holding after injection of 140 ml of a contrast agent into a peripheral vein. Cross-sectional images were reconstructed with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm or 1 mm. We set 15 anatomical segments for the coronary tree and the evaluation was performed independently for both techniques. Coronary artery lesions with over 50% reduction in diameter were considered significant. Findings from both techniques were evaluated using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: It was possible to evaluate 87.7% of the coronary tree segments; heavy calcification, enability to perform breath holding, motion artefacts and stents made evaluation of the other segments impossible. Overall sensitivity and specificity were 85.9% and 98.2% respectively with a 95 % confidence interval; positive predictive value was 87% and negative predictive value 97% For the different anatomical segments, sensitivity and specificity were: proximal 88.9% and 97.8%; medial 90.9% and 95.8%; distal 86.7% and 99.1% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Multidetector computed tomography is a promising non-invasive technique for detecting or ruling out significant coronary lesions.     

Noncardiac findings in cardiac imaging with multidetector computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the frequency of the noncardiac findings in cardiac imaging with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). BACKGROUND: Multidetector computed tomography is an accepted new tool to evaluate the heart. In cardiac MDCT scans, organs other than the heart are also irradiated, but usually not assessed. METHODS: A total of 503 patients underwent cardiac imaging with 16- or 64-slice MDCT. Cardiologists assessed the heart, while radiologists reviewed the other organs. RESULTS: A total of 346 new, noncardiac findings were identified in 292 patients (58.1%). A total of 114 patients (22.7%) had clinically significant findings including 4 cases of malignancy (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: There were a significant number of noncardiac findings in cardiac MDCT. To avoid missing clinically important findings, physicians who analyze cardiac MDCT scan--either radiologists or cardiologists--should carefully evaluate all the organs irradiated in the scan.     

Coronary artery aneurysms detected with ultrafast computed tomography

A 25-year-old Japanese woman was admitted due to acute inferior myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography showed complete occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery and vague calcification distal to the complete occlusion. Using ultrafast computed tomography, two coronary artery aneurysms in the right coronary artery that could not be detected by coronary angiography were visualized. Cathet. Cardiovasc. Diagn. 42:302–304, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Eight-channel multidetector computed tomography: unique potential for pediatric chest computed tomography angiography

This case report of a possible aortic pseudoaneurysm after coarctectomy in a 12-month-old boy illustrates the unique considerations when performing pediatric cardiovascular CT angiography in young children. With newer (8-channel) multidetector technology, many of the complexities of performing diagnostic angiography, including sedation, breathing artifact, and intravenous contrast material administration, can be reduced or eliminated.     

Coronary artery aneurysms as seen on multidetector computed Tomography angiography

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) are present in 1.4–5.3% of the population (Nichols, Lagana, Parwani. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2008; 132:823–828). While angiography remains the gold standard for evaluating CAAs, multidetector computed tomography angiography (MDCTA) is an emerging way of assessing CAAs (Pahlavan and Niroomand. Clin Cardiol 2006;29:439–443). With the increasing clinical utilization of MDCTA, CAAs are often initially diagnosed using this method. Since MDCTA is used largely in lower risk and asymptomatic patients, understanding the etiology and treatment is paramount for clinicians reading these studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Role of three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography for a huge superior mesenteric artery aneurysm management

We report on a girl with progressive intrapulmonary shunting after bidirectional Glenn (BDG) operation and resolution of these microscopic fistulas after completion to total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC).     

Coronary artery fistula with an associated aneurysm detected by 16-slice multidetector row computed tomographic angiography

We describe a case of a 60-year-old man with effort-induced angina pectoris. Coronary angiography showed an aneurysm in the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. It was unclear whether it was a coronary artery aneurysm or a coronary fistula with an associated aneurysm. Three-dimensional reconstruction images from 16-slice multidetector row computed tomographic (MDCT) angiography showed an aneurysm that drained into the pulmonary artery. Images from 16-slice MDCT coronary angiography can be helpful in understanding complex coronary artery anatomy.     

Coronary artery visualization using ultrafast computed tomography

The advantages and limitations of ultrafast computed tomography in the imaging of normal and pathologic conditions of the coronary artery are discussed. The scanner's speed, resolution, and lack of significant motion artifact enhance the visualization of coronary arteries. Coronary artery calcification also is well visualized, and coronary artery fistuli, coronary bypass graft patency, and Kawasaki disease can be assessed accurately using contrast-enhanced flow studies. The inability to image stenoses and the lack of longitudinal images detract from its usefulness. Future scanner upgrades to provide increased resolution and thinner slices should improve the scanner's ability to evaluate the coronary artery.     

Noninvasive assessment of coronary artery ectasia using multidetector computed tomography

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of coronary artery ectasia and its relationship to atheromatous changes in participants undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography. BACKGROUND: Coronary artery ectasia occasionally encountered on conventional coronary angiography is considered a manifestation of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Four hundred consecutive participants, 300 men (mean age 56 years) who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography were evaluated. Coronary artery ectasia was defined as an arterial segment with a diameter of at least 1.5 times the diameter of the adjacent normal coronary artery. The prevalence and location of coronary artery ectasia as well as concomitant atherosclerotic changes were evaluated. The association of coronary artery ectasia with coronary risk factors was also studied. RESULTS: Coronary artery ectasia was encountered in 31 participants (8%), 29 men. The right coronary artery was most commonly affected with ectasia (50%) and most participants had single-vessel involvement (74%). Twenty-six of 31 participants (84%) had coexisting atheromatous wall changes or insignificant coronary artery disease; four participants out of 31 (13%) had significant coronary artery disease. Coronary artery ectasia thrombosis was found only in one patient (3%). No apparent correlation was present between coronary artery ectasia and diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking and family history of coronary artery disease. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of coronary artery ectasia in consecutive participants who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography is 8%. The right coronary artery was most commonly affected and most participants had single-vessel involvement. Coronary artery ectasia usually is associated with atheromatous changes, but not with significant coronary artery disease. Coronary artery ectasia thrombosis was a rare complication. No specific predisposing factors have been identified.     

Multiplanar and two-dimensional imaging of central airway stinting with multidetector computed tomography

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) provides guidance for primary screening of the central airways. The aim of our study was assessing the contribution of multidetector computed tomography- two dimensional reconstruction in the management of patients with tracheobronchial stenosis prior to the procedure and during a short follow up period of 3 months after the endobronchial treatment. METHODS: This is a retrospective study with data collected from an electronic database and from the medical records. Patients evaluated with MDCT and who had undergone a stinting procedure were included. A Philips RSGDT 07605 model MDCT was used, and slice thickness, 3 mm; overlap, 1.5 mm; matrix, 512x512; mass, 90 and kV, 120 were evaluated. The diameters of the airways 10 mm proximal and 10 mm distal to the obstruction were measured and the stent diameter (D) was determined from the average between D upper and D lower. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients, 14 (25%) women and 42 (75%) men, mean age 55.3 [PLUS-MINUS SIGN] 13.2 years (range: 16-79 years), were assessed by MDCT and then treated with placement of an endobronchial stent. A computed tomography review was made with 6 detector Philips RSGDT 07605 multidetector computed tomography device. Endobronchial therapy was provided for the patients with endoluminal lesions. Stents were placed into the area of stenosis in patients with external compression after dilatation and debulking procedures had been carried out. In one patient the migration of a stent was detected during the follow up period by using MDCT. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT helps to define stent size, length and type in patients who are suitable for endobronchial stinting. This is a non-invasive, reliable method that helps decisions about optimal stent size and position, thus reducing complications.     

Left main coronary artery atresia diagnosed by multidetector computed tomography

Left main coronary artery atresia is an extremely rare disease. Differential diagnosis of left main coronary artery atresia from atherosclerotic occlusion of left main coronary artery is difficult even if performing invasive coronary angiography. We present a case of a 48-year-old male with left main coronary artery atresia. Echocardiography showed left ventricular dysfunction. Invasive coronary angiography showed absence of left main coronary artery. A multidetector computed tomography showed a string-like structure at the site of left main coronary artery. A diagnosis of left main coronary artery atresia was made, and he underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. At the operation, a thin and not-sclerotic left main coronary artery was observed. Echocardiography, performed after the surgery, showed normalization of the left ventricular systolic function. Multidetector computed tomography might be a useful method to diagnose left main coronary artery atresia.     

Coronary angiography by computed tomography: coronary imaging evolves

Rapid technological advances have facilitated high-resolution noninvasive coronary angiography using multislice computed tomography. Appropriateness guidelines recently have been published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and endorsed by several imaging specialty societies. Clinical studies are now available supporting the use of this method in selected diagnostic situations, particularly when the exclusion of coronary artery disease is of paramount clinical concern.