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%.     

Influence of intra-coronary enhancement on diagnostic accuracy with 64-slice CT coronary angiography

We assessed the effect of intra-coronary attenuation on diagnostic accuracy using 64-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (CT-CA). We enrolled 170 patients with suspected coronary artery disease who underwent conventional coronary angiography (CA) and 64-slice CT-CA (100 ml of Iomeprol 400 mg I/ml at 4 ml/s). The study population was divided into two groups (85 patients each based on median attenuation of 326 HU) based on mean arterial attenuation; group 1 with low attenuation and group 2 with high attenuation. Diagnostic accuracy for the detection of significant coronary artery stenosis was determined for both groups using CA as reference standard. Overall, 163 significant stenoses were detected in 1,030 assessable coronary artery segments in group 1 compared with 160 significant stenoses in 1,020 assessable segments in group 2. The average intra-coronary attenuation was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for group 2 (388 ± 46 HU) compared with group 1 (291 ± 33 HU). The corresponding sensitivity and specificity values for detection of significant coronary artery stenosis were higher for group 2 (96.3% and 97.6%, respectively) than for group 1 (82.8% and 93.2%, respectively) and were more marked in distal coronary segments than in proximal segments. Higher intra-coronary attenuation on CT-CA results in greater diagnostic accuracy for detection of coronary artery stenosis.     

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.     

Coronary CT angiography with dual source computed tomography in 170 patients

Introduction

In preliminary studies DSCT provides robust image quality over a wide range of heart rates and excludes CAD with high accuracy.The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproducibility of these results in a large, unselected and consecutive group of patients scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA).

Material and methods

170 patients (124 men, 46 women; mean age: 64 ± 9 years) with known CAD (101 patients) or suspected CAD (69 patients) scheduled for ICA were examined by coronary CTA prior to ICA. All coronary segments were assessed for image quality (1: excellent; 5: non-diagnostic). The presence of significant vessel stenosis (>50%) was calculated using ICA as standard of reference.

Results

A total of 680 vessels were analyzed. Despite of 45 arrythmic patients all analyzed coronary segments were diagnostically evaluable. Mean Agatston score equivalent was 686 (range 0-4950). ICA revealed 364 lesions with ≥50% diameter stenosis. DSCT correctly identified 336 of these lesions. 115 lesions with a diameter stenosis ≤50% were overestimated by DSCT and thus considered as false-positive findings. On a per-segment basis, sensitivity was 92%, specificity 93%, positive predictive value (PPV) was 75% and negative predictive value (NPV) 98%. On a per-vessel basis DSCT revealed a sensitivity of 93%, a specificity of 88%, a PPV of 78% and a NPV of 97%. On a per-patient basis sensitivity was 94%, specificity 79%, PPV 88% and NPV 90%.

Conclusions

Initial results of preliminary studies showing robust image quality and high accuracy in DSCT cardiac imaging could be approved with the present study enclosing a large consecutive population. However severe coronary calcifications and irregular heart rate still remain limiting factors for coronary CTA.Despite improved image quality and high accuracy of coronary DSCT angiography, proof of indication is necessary, due to still remaining limiting factors.     

320层容积CT无心率(律)控制的冠状动脉血管成像在冠心病高危人群中的初步应用

目的 探讨在无心率(律)控制条件下,320层容积CT冠状动脉血管成像(VCTA)诊断冠心病高危人群冠状动脉狭窄的准确性.方法 对30例有冠心病高危因素的患者,以冠状动脉导管造影(ICA)为金标准,评价VCTA诊断冠状动脉节段狭窄率≥50%的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值(PPV)、阴性预测值(NPV)及Youden指数;同时采用卡方检验分析心率快慢及钙化程度对2种检查方法诊断一致率的影响.结果 30例患者平均心率(73.7±15.4)次/min(bpm),420个可分析节段的平均Agatston钙化积分中位数为45.6分(OR=181).心率＜70和≥70 bpm分别显示242和169段,诊断一致率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);Agatston钙化积分≥100分的图像质量和诊断一致率低于Agatston钙化积分＜100分的节段,但VCTA与ICA结果仍具有良好吻合性(P＞0.05).结论 在无心率(律)控制情况下,VCTA对冠心病高危人群的冠状动脉狭窄诊断具有很高的准确性.     

Diagnostic value of 64-slice multi-detector row cardiac CTA in symptomatic patients

Cardiac multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) angiography has shown high levels of sensitivity and especially negative predictive value regarding the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study was designed to determine the value of a 64-slice-MDCT scanner in comparison to invasive coronary angiography for the detection of CAD in a population of symptomatic patients. Fifty-one patients with suspected CAD underwent conventional coronary angiography and ECG-gated cardiac 64-slice-MDCT angiography with a rotation time of 330 ms, a collimation of 64×0.6 mm and a slice thickness of 0.75 mm. Blinded patient- and segment-based analysis was performed for the detection of stenoses ≥70% of the vessel lumen. 95% of all coronary segments were assessable by MDCT angiography. Patient-based (segment-based) analysis revealed a sensitivity of 97.8% (86.7%), specificity of 50% (95.2%), positive predictive value of 93.6% (75.2%) and negative predictive value of 75% (97.7%). Inter-rater agreement revealed a kappa-value of 0.558 (0.722). In this symptomatic patient group a 64-slice-MDCT scanner shows good agreement on a segment-based analysis but only moderate agreement on a patient-based analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice-MDCT coronary angiography is negatively influenced by the high pre-test probability of this symptomatic patient collective.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Image quality on dual-source computed-tomographic coronary angiography

Multi-detector CT reliably permits visualization of coronary arteries, but due to the occurrence of motion artefacts at heart rates >65 bpm caused by a temporal resolution of 165 ms, its utilisation has so far been limited to patients with a preferably low heart rate. We investigated the assessment of image quality on computed tomography of coronary arteries in a large series of patients without additional heart rate control using dual-source computed tomography (DSCT). DSCT (Siemens Somatom Definition, 83-ms temporal resolution) was performed in 165 consecutive patients (mean age 64 +/- 11.4 years) after injection of 60-80 ml of contrast. Data sets were reconstructed in 5% intervals of the cardiac cycle and evaluated by two readers in consensus concerning evaluability of the coronary arteries and presence of motion and beam-hardening artefacts using the AHA 16-segment coronary model. Mean heart rate during CT was 65 +/- 10.5 bpm; visualisation without artefacts was possible in 98.7% of 2,541 coronary segments. Only two segments were considered unevaluable due to cardiac motion; 30 segments were unassessable due to poor signal-to-noise ratio or coronary calcifications (both n = 15). Data reconstruction at 65-70% of the cardiac cycle provided for the best image quality. For heart rates >85 bpm, a systolic reconstruction at 45% revealed satisfactory results. Compared with earlier CT generations, DSCT provides for non-invasive coronary angiography with diagnostic image quality even at heart rates >65 bpm and thus may broaden the spectrum of patients that can be investigated non-invasively.     

Diagnostic Value of 64-Slice Dual-Source CT Coronary Angiography in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Comparison with Invasive Coronary Angiography

Objective

We wanted to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic value of 64-slice dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography in patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib).

Materials and Methods

The coronary arteries of 22 Afib patients seen on DSCT were classified into 15 segments and the imaging quality (excellent, good, moderate and poor) and significant stenoses (≥ 50%) were evaluated by two radiologists who were blinded to the conventional coronary angiography (CAG) results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for detecting important coronary artery stenosis were calculated. McNemar test was used to determine any significant difference between DSCT and CAG, and Cohen''s Kappa statistics were calculated for the intermodality and interobserver agreement.

Results

The mean heart rate was 89 ± 8.3 bpm (range: 80-118 bpm). A range from 250 msec to 300 msec within the RR interval was the optimal reconstruction interval for the patients with Afib. The respective overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV values were 74%, 97%, 81% and 96% for reader 1 and 72%, 98%, 85% and 96% for reader 2. No significant difference between DSCT and CAG was found for detecting a significant stenosis (reader 1, p = 1.0; reader 2, p = 0.727). Cohen''s Kappa statistics demonstrated good intermodality and interobserver agreement.

Conclusion

64-slice DSCT coronary angiography provides good image quality in patients with atrial fibrillation without the need for controlling the heart rate. DSCT can be used for ruling out significant stenosis in patients with atrial fibrillation with its high NPV for detecting in important stenosis.     

Dual-source CT coronary imaging in heart transplant recipients: image quality and optimal reconstruction interval

The image quality and optimal reconstruction interval for coronary arteries in heart transplant recipients undergoing non-invasive dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography was evaluated. Twenty consecutive heart transplant recipients who underwent DSCT coronary angiography were included (19 male, one female; mean age 63.1 +/- 10.7 years). Data sets were reconstructed in 5% steps from 30% to 80% of the R-R interval. Two blinded independent observers assessed the image quality of each coronary segments using a five-point scale (from 0 = not evaluative to 4 = excellent quality). A total of 289 coronary segments in 20 heart transplant recipients were evaluated. Mean heart rate during the scan was 89.1 +/- 10.4 bpm. At the best reconstruction interval, diagnostic image quality (score >/=2) was obtained in 93.4% of the coronary segments (270/289) with a mean image quality score of 3.04 +/- 0.63. Systolic reconstruction intervals provided better image quality scores than diastolic reconstruction intervals (overall mean quality scores obtained with the systolic and diastolic reconstructions 3.03 +/- 1.06 and 2.73 +/- 1.11, respectively; P < 0.001). Different systolic reconstruction intervals (35%, 40%, 45% of RR interval) did not yield to significant differences in image quality scores for the coronary segments (P = 0.74). Reconstructions obtained at the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle allowed excellent diagnostic image quality coronary angiograms in heart transplant recipients undergoing DSCT coronary angiography.     

Imaging coronary and extracoronary atherosclerosis: feasibility and impact of whole-body computed tomography angiography

A comprehensive whole-body approach to noninvasive evaluation of coronary and extracoronary vasculature is currently not available. The objective of our study was to assess the potential of 64-slice computed tomography angiography (64-CTA) for whole-body evaluation of atherosclerosis burden. Seventy-eight patients referred for coronary imaging underwent whole-body 64-CTA using an adjusted strategy for the administration of contrast medium with dose-saving algorithms involving ECG modulation and reduced tube voltage. Arterial segments (15 coronary, 32 systemic) were evaluated for significant (≥50%) steno-occlusive disease while arterovenous density was evaluated at seven extracoronary locations. Homogeneous attenuation (mean 321 ± 20 HU) was obtained throughout the systemic vasculature. Atherosclerosis was observed in 238/995 (24%) coronary and 368/2441 (15%) systemic segments. Significant stenoses/occlusions were present in 214 (21%)/24 (2.5%) coronary segments while asymptomatic clinically relevant stenoses were present in 49 systemic segments. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of coronary 64-CTA among 52 patients who also underwent quantitative coronary angiography were 92%, 95%, 81% and 98%, respectively. ECG modulation decreased radiation exposure to 14.1–15.4 mSv per patient. Comprehensive, noninvasive assessment of atherosclerosis can be performed by whole-body 64-CTA and may have a positive impact on secondary prevention.     

Evaluation of computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with a high heart rate using 16-slice spiral computed tomography with 0.37-s gantry rotation time

The aim of our study is to evaluate computed tomography (CT) coronary angiography in patients with a high heart rate using 16-slice spiral CT with 0.37-s gantry rotation time. We compare the image quality of patients whose heart rates were over 70 beats per minute (bpm) with that of patients whose heart rates were 70 bpm or less. Sixty patients with various heart rates underwent retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT (MSCT) coronary angiography. Two experienced observers who were blind to the heart rates of the patients evaluated all the MSCT coronary angiographic images and calculated the assessable segments. A total of 620 out of 891 (69.6%) segments were satisfactorily visualized. On average, 10.3 coronary artery segments per patient could be evaluated. In 36 patients whose heart rates were below 70 bpm [mean 62.2 bpm±5.32 (standard deviation, SD)], the number of assessable segments was 10.72±2.02 (SD). In the other 24 patients whose heart rates were above 70 bpm [mean 78.6 bpm±8.24 (SD)], the corresponding number was 9.75±1.74 (SD). No statistically significant difference was found in these two subgroups t test, P>0.05. The new generation of 16-slice spiral CT with 0.37-s rotation time can satisfactorily evaluate the coronary arteries of patients with high heart rates (above 70 bpm, up to 102 bpm).     

双源CT诊断冠状动脉疾病的Meta分析

目的 运用Meta分析方法评价双源CT(DSCT)诊断冠状动脉疾病(CAD)的价值.方法 采用Medline数据库、中文期刊全文数据库以及中华医学会数字化期刊数据库检索2006年1月至2009年7月国内外公开发表的中英文文献:(1)在可疑CAD患者中以DSCT血管成像诊断显著性冠状动脉狭窄(狭窄直径≥50%);(2)以冠状动脉造影作为诊断金标准.基于患者水平采用双变量随机效应模型和分层综合受试者工作特征曲线(HSROC)模型分析数据;根据贝叶斯原理,评价分析结果的临床应用价值.结果 共纳入10篇英文文献,研究对象1271例,平均5.6%(33/590)患者和2.3%(271/11 745)节段不可评价;95%可信区间的汇总敏感度、特异度分别为99%(97%～99%)和86%(79%～90%),阳性和阴性似然比分别为6.84和0.01.患者验前概率＜84%,诊断为阴性时,患病概率＜5%;验前概率＞13%,诊断为阳性时,患病概率＞50%.结论 DSCT冠状动脉成像诊断CAD有很高的准确性和临床应用价值,但仍不能取代传统冠状动脉造影.     

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。     

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.     

Diagnostic accuracy of dual-source computed tomography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) with reference to invasive coronary angiography in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) on a per-patient as well as on a per-segment basis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients with known or suspected CAD underwent both DSCT (Somatom Definition, Siemens Medical Solutions) and quantitative x-ray coronary angiography (QCA). Parameters of CT acquisition were gantry rotation time 0.330 seconds (ie, temporal resolution 83 milliseconds), tube voltage 120 kV, tube current 560 mA with ECG-triggered tube current modulation and full current at 70% of the cardiac cycle for heart rates below 70 beats per minute or full current between 30% and 80% for higher and arrhythmic heart rates. The pitch was also adapted to the heart rate, ranging from 0.2 to 0.43. Volume and flow rate of contrast material (Ultravist 370, Schering AG) were adapted to the patient's body weight. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of DSCT in the detection or exclusion of significant CAD (ie, stenoses >50%) were evaluated on a per-patient and per-segment basis. RESULTS: All 35 CT angiograms were of diagnostic image quality. QCA demonstrated significant CAD in 48% (n = 17) and nonsignificant disease or normal coronary angiograms in 52% (n = 18) of the patients. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of DSCT on a per-patient basis were 100%, 89%, 89%, and 100%, respectively. On a per-segment basis, 473 of 481 coronary artery segments were assessable (98%). QCA demonstrated stenoses >50% in 32 segments (7%), and no disease or nonsignificant disease in 433 segments (93%). For the detection of stenoses >50% on a per-segment basis, DSCT showed a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 88%, 98%, 78%, and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of coronary DSCT with QCA shows a very robust image quality and a high diagnostic accuracy in a patient-based as well as a per-segment analysis. Maximal sensitivity and NPV in the per-patient analysis show the strength of the technique in ruling out significant CAD.     

双源CT血管造影评价冠状动脉狭窄的临床价值

目的:评价双源CT定量诊断冠状动脉狭窄的准确性及临床价值。方法:对30例临床拟诊冠心病患者分别进行双源CT和传统冠状动脉造影检查,并将双源CT判定冠状动脉狭窄程度与冠脉造影结果进行对比分析。结果:30例共计450冠脉节段,双源CT均获得满意的评价图像(3例进行心电编辑)。双源CT判定轻度狭窄38个节段,中度狭窄23个节段,重度狭窄36个节段;与冠状动脉造影结果对比,双源CT诊断冠脉狭窄的敏感性、特异性和准确性分别为94.12%、95.34%和95.11%。结论:与冠状动脉造影对比,双源CT在定量诊断冠脉狭窄方面具有较高的敏感性和特异性,可为临床诊断冠心病提供一项准确可靠的无创手段。     

Detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification with electron-beam and conventional CT

To identify patients with increased risk of having coronary artery disease (CAD), electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT) was used for years for quantifying calcifications of the coronary arteries. The first direct comparison between EBCT and conventional CT was performed to determine the reliability of widely available conventional CT for the assessment of the coronary calcium score. Fifty male patients with suspected CAD were investigated with both modalities, EBCT and conventional 500-ms non-spiral partial scan CT. Scoring of the coronary calcification was performed according to the Agatston method. Forty-two of these patients underwent coronary angiography for the assessment of significant luminal narrowing. The correlation coefficient of the score values of both modalities was highly significant (r = 0.982, p < 0.001). The variability between the two modalities was 42 %. Mean calcium score in patients with significant coronary luminal narrowing (n = 37) was 1104 ± 1089 with EBCT and 1229 ± 1327 with conventional CT. In patients without luminal narrowing (n = 5) mean calcium score was 73 ± 57 with EBCT and 26 ± 35 with conventional CT. Although images of the heart from conventional CT may suffer from cardiac motion artifacts, conventional CT has the potential to identify patients with CAD with accuracy similar to EBCT. Received: 13 July 1998; Revision received: 11 October 1998; Accepted: 14 October 1998