Low-dose prospectively gated 256-slice coronary computed tomographic angiography

Since the introduction of 64-slice scanners, multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) has experienced a marked increase in adoption for the noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease, although radiation dose concerns remain. The recent introduction of prospective coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has begun to address these concerns; however, its applicability with existing scanners remains limited to cohorts defined by heart rate, heart rate variability, and body mass index. This paper reviews prospective CCTA, the effect of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, and the physiologic basis for selection of optimal prospective imaging windows. We then discuss 256-slice technology and our first 4 months of clinical experience with 256-slice prospective CCTA. Our early clinical results indicate that high-quality, low-dose prospective coronary CTA may be applied to patients with higher heart rates, higher BMI, and with less sensitivity to heart rate variability using 256-slice MDCT.     

Recent developments in wide-detector cardiac computed tomography

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using 64 detectors is widely used for cardiac imaging in the clinical setting. Despite promising results, 64-slice MDCT has important limitations for cardiac applications related to detector coverage, which leads to longer scan times, image artifacts, increased radiation and the need for higher contrast doses. The advent of wide or full cardiac coverage with 256- or 320-slice MDCT provides important advantages that can potentially improve the status of these limitations and expand the utility of cardiac MDCT imaging beyond coronary imaging. Additionally, the combination of wide-detectors and multi-energy acquisitions offer interesting possibilities of improved coverage and temporal resolution that may improve plaque characterization as well as viability and perfusion imaging. In this review we will discuss the current status of wide-detector MDCT scanners and their advantages for clinical coronary and ventricular imaging. We will also review examples of wide detector coronary angiography imaging and discuss emerging complementary non-coronary applications that have been enabled by wide-detector MDCT imaging.     

Image quality and radiation dose comparison of prospectively triggered low-dose CCTA: 128-slice dual-source high-pitch spiral versus 64-slice single-source sequential acquisition

Currently 64-multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scanners are the most widely used devices allowing low radiation dose coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with prospective ECG triggering. Latest 128-slice dual-source CT (DSCT) scanners offer prospective high-pitch spiral acquisition covering the heart during one single beat. We compared radiation dose and image quality from prospective 64-MSCT versus high-pitch spiral 128-slice DSCT scanning, as such data is lacking. CCTA of 50 consecutive patients undergoing 128-DSCT (2 × 64 × 0.6 mm collimation, 0.28 s rotation time, 3.4 pitch, 100-120 kV tube voltage and 320 mAs tube current-time product) were compared to CCTA of 50 heart rate (HR) and BMI matched patients undergoing 64-MSCT (64 × 0.625 mm collimation, 0.35 s rotation time, 100-120 kV tube voltage and 400-650 mA tube current). Image quality was rated on a 4-point scale by two independent cardiac imaging physicians (1 = excellent to 4 = non-diagnostic). Of 710 coronary segments assessed on 128-DSCT, 216 (30.4%) achieved an image quality score 1 excellent, 400 (56.3%) score 2, 76 (10.7%) score 3 and 18 (2.6%) score 4 (non-diagnostic). Of 737 coronary segments evaluated on 64-MSCT 271 (36.8%) had an image quality score of 1, 327 (44.4%) 2, 110 (14.9%) score 3, and 29 (3.9%) segments score 4. Average image quality score for both scanners was similar (P = 0.641). The mean heart rate during scanning was 58.7 ± 5.6 bpm on 128-DSCT and 59.0 ± 5.6 bpm on 64-MSCT, respectively. Mean effective radiation dose was 1.0 ± 0.2 mSv for 128-DSCT and 1.7 ± 0.6 mSv for 64-MSCT (P < 0.001). 128-DSCT with high-pitch spiral mode allows CCTA acquisition with reduced radiation dose at maintained image quality compared to 64-MSCT.     

Recent developments in wide-detector cardiac computed tomography

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) using 64 detectors is widely used for cardiac imaging in the clinical setting. Despite promising results, 64-slice MDCT has important limitations for cardiac applications related to detector coverage, which leads to longer scan times, image artifacts, increased radiation and the need for higher contrast doses. The advent of wide or full cardiac coverage with 256- or 320-slice MDCT provides important advantages that can potentially improve the status of these limitations and expand the utility of cardiac MDCT imaging beyond coronary imaging. Additionally, the combination of wide-detectors and multi-energy acquisitions offer interesting possibilities of improved coverage and temporal resolution that may improve plaque characterization as well as viability and perfusion imaging. In this review we will discuss the current status of wide-detector MDCT scanners and their advantages for clinical coronary and ventricular imaging. We will also review examples of wide detector coronary angiography imaging and discuss emerging complementary non-coronary applications that have been enabled by wide-detector MDCT imaging.     

Coronary CT angiography with low radiation dose

With the introduction of 64-slice CT and dual-source CT technology, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has emerged as a useful diagnostic imaging modality for the noninvasive assessment of coronary heart disease. Recently, the risks associated with ionizing radiation on CT have raised serious concerns. The main concern of exposure to ionizing radiation is the potential risk of cancer. CCTA involves much higher radiation dose with the advances in the spatial and temporal resolution of cardiac CT. Currently, various dose-saving algorithms, such as ECG (electrocardiography)-based dose modulation, reduced tube voltage, and prospective ECG gating, high-pitch helical scanning are available to lower radiation exposure during cardiac CT. Therefore, careful selection of CT scanning protocols is needed to keep the radiation exposure ‘as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)’. In this review we will discuss the radiation dose safety issues, the measurement of radiation dose and current use of dose-saving techniques in CCTA.     

Image quality in low-dose coronary computed tomography angiography with a new high-definition CT scanner

A new generation of high definition computed tomography (HDCT) 64-slice devices complemented by a new iterative image reconstruction algorithm—adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction, offer substantially higher resolution compared to standard definition CT (SDCT) scanners. As high resolution confers higher noise we have compared image quality and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from HDCT versus SDCT. Consecutive patients (n = 93) underwent HDCT, and were compared to 93 patients who had previously undergone CCTA with SDCT matched for heart rate (HR), HR variability and body mass index (BMI). Tube voltage and current were adapted to the patient’s BMI, using identical protocols in both groups. The image quality of all CCTA scans was evaluated by two independent readers in all coronary segments using a 4-point scale (1, excellent image quality; 2, blurring of the vessel wall; 3, image with artefacts but evaluative; 4, non-evaluative). Effective radiation dose was calculated from DLP multiplied by a conversion factor (0.014 mSv/mGy × cm). The mean image quality score from HDCT versus SDCT was comparable (2.02 ± 0.68 vs. 2.00 ± 0.76). Mean effective radiation dose did not significantly differ between HDCT (1.7 ± 0.6 mSv, range 1.0–3.7 mSv) and SDCT (1.9 ± 0.8 mSv, range 0.8–5.5 mSv; P = n.s.). HDCT scanners allow low-dose 64-slice CCTA scanning with higher resolution than SDCT but maintained image quality and equally low radiation dose. Whether this will translate into higher accuracy of HDCT for CAD detection remains to be evaluated.     

Prospectively versus retrospectively ECG-gated 256-slice coronary CT angiography: image quality and radiation dose over expanded heart rates

To compare image quality and radiation dose estimates for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) obtained with a prospectively gated transaxial (PGT) CT technique and a retrospectively gated helical (RGH) CT technique using a 256-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) scanner and establish an upper limit of heart rate to achieve reliable diagnostic image quality using PGT. 200 patients (135 males, 65 females) with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) underwent CCTA on a 256-slice MDCT scanner. The PGT patients were enrolled prospectively from January to June, 2009. For each PGT patient, we found the paired ones in retrospective-gating patients database and randomly selected one patient in these match cases and built up the RGH group. Image quality for all coronary segments was assessed and compared between the two groups using a 4-point scale (1: non-diagnostic; 4: excellent). Effective radiation doses were also compared. The average heart rate ± standard deviation (HR ± SD) between the two groups was not significantly different (PGT: 64.6 ± 12.9 bpm, range 45–97 bpm; RGH: 66.7 ± 10.9 bpm, range 48–97 bpm, P = 0.22). A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined a cutoff HR of 75 bpm up to which diagnostic image quality could be achieved using the PGT technique (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in assessable coronary segments between the two groups for HR ≤ 75 bpm (PGT: 99.9% [961 of 962 segments]; RGH: 99.8% [1038 of 1040 segments]; P = 1.0). At HR > 75 bpm, the performance of the PGT technique was affected, resulting in a moderate reduction of percentage assessable coronary segments using this approach (PGT: 95.5% [323 of 338 segments]; RGH: 98.5% [261 of 265 segments]; P = 0.04). The mean estimated effective radiation dose for the PGT group was 3.0 ± 0.7 mSv, representing reduction of 73% compared to that of the RGH group (11.1 ± 1.6 mSv) (P < 0.001). Prospectively-gated axial coronary computed tomography using a 256-slice multidetector CT scanner with a 270 ms tube rotation time enables a significant reduction in effective radiation dose while simultaneously providing image quality comparable to the retrospectively gated helical technique. Our experience demonstrates the applicability of this technique over a wider range of heart rates (up to 75 bpm) than previously reported.     

320排动态容积CT冠状动脉成像诊断冠心病:ROC曲线分析

目的应用ROC曲线分析方法评价320排动态容积CT冠状动脉成像(CCTA)诊断冠心病(CHD)的价值。方法回顾性分析临床疑似冠心病的37例患者的CCTA和冠状动脉造影(CAG)资料,以冠状动脉狭窄≥50%作为冠心病诊断标准,对结果采用配对t检验及ROC曲线分析。结果 CCTA诊断冠心病的敏感度为78.57%(55/70),特异度为95.13%(391/411),阳性预测值为73.33%(55/75),阴性预测值为96.31%(391/406),准确率为92.72%(446/481);CCTA和CAG结果呈高度相关性;CCTA的ROC曲线下面积为0.962。CCTA诊断的斑块数量较CAG多(68vs 45)。结论 320排动态容积CCTA诊断冠状动脉狭窄具有较高的准确性,能有效识别斑块及其危险程度。     

比较128层高清冠状动脉CTA和640层冠状动脉CTA诊断冠状动脉支架内腔再狭窄的效能

目的 比较128层高清冠状动脉CT血管造影（HD-CCTA）与640层CCTA显示冠状动脉金属支架植入术后支架内腔的能力,评估二者诊断支架内腔再狭窄的价值。方法 收集177例冠状动脉金属支架植入术后患者（227枚支架）,对其中88例（112枚支架）行128层HD-CCTA,对 89例（115枚支架）行640层CCTA,比较二者图像质量和支架内腔显示率;以CAG为金标准,计算和比较二者诊断支架内腔再狭窄的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确率。结果 128层HD-CCTA显示冠状动脉支架内腔图像质量评分（1.63±0.25）分高于640层CCTA[（0.54±0.34）分,P<0.05];128层HD-CCTA对支架内腔显示率（108/112,96.43%）高于640层CT（60/115,52.17%,P<0.05）;128层HD-CCTA和640层CCTA诊断支架内腔再狭窄的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确率分别为100%（14/14）、90.00%（18/20）、87.50%（14/16）、100%（18/18）、94.12%（32/34）和100%（20/20）、41.67%（5/12）、74.07%（20/27）、100%（5/5）、78.13%（25/32）。结论 128层HD-CCTA较640层CCTA诊断冠状动脉支架植入术后支架内腔再狭窄准确率更高,在术后随诊中具有重要价值。     

256 iCT冠状动脉CTA降低辐射剂量扫描方案的优化

目的 采用256 iCT进行冠状动脉CTA(CCTA), 并联合多种技术优化扫描方案以降低辐射剂量。方法 纳入91例接受256 iCT CCTA(研究组)和30例接受64排CCTA(对照组)的可疑冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病患者。研究组根据患者心率设置6种扫描方案, 方案1采用前瞻性心电门控技术, 启动z轴方向自动管电流调节技术, 方案2、3采用回顾性心电门控技术+ECG电流调控(ECG-CTCM)技术, 方案4~6采用回顾性心电门控技术, 各扫描方案均根据BMI设置管电压。计算并比较各组及各扫描方案间有效剂量(ED)和图像质量评分差异。结果 研究组ED 明显低于对照组 。研究组扫描方案1 ED最低, 其次为扫描方案3, 两种扫描方案ED均明显低于其余扫描方案(P均 <0.05), 二者间差异亦有统计学意义(P <0.05), 扫描方案2、4~6两两比较差异均无统计学意义(P均 >0.05);各扫描方案中ED均随管电压下降而下降。各扫描方案间图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(F=0.610, P=0.858)。结论 CCTA中256 iCT辐射剂量低于64排螺旋CT;前瞻性心电门控技术、ECG电流调控技术和个体化扫描均可不同程度降低辐射剂量, 并不影响图像质量。     

Prospective ECG-triggered sequential scan protocol for coronary dual-source CT angiography: initial experience

The exposure to ionizing radiation has raised concerns about coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Recently, prospective ECG-triggered sequential scan technique has been introduced in CCTA to significantly reduce radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with the sequential scan technique on a dual-source CT system with respect to image quality and radiation dose. Qualitative and quantitative image quality as well as radiation dose were assessed in 514 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA either with sequential or spiral image acquisition technique on dual-source CT. The selection of the applied scan technique was at the discretion of an experienced coronary CT angiographer. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of diagnostic image quality. Diagnostic CCTA image quality was found in 1,395/1,429 (97.6%) versus 4,664/4,782 (97.5%) of the coronary segments in patients studied with sequential versus spiral scanning (P = 0.82). While the application of betablockers for CCTA was an independent factor for improved image quality in the multivariate regression analysis, heart rate variability and body mass index were indepentently associated with a deterioriated image quality. The scan technique had no independent impact on diagnostic image quality. Mean estimated radiation dose was reduced by 63% in patients studied with sequential scan technique (3.4 ± 2.2 vs. 7.6 ± 5.0 mSv, P < 0.01). In patients with a low and stable heart rate, the sequential scan technique is a promising method to effectively reduce radiation exposure in dual-source CCTA. Due to the comparable image quality in sequential and spiral dual-source CCTA, the sequential scan technique should be considered as the primary scan protocol in appropriate patients.     

Prospective ECG-triggered sequential scan protocol for coronary dual-source CT angiography: initial experience

The exposure to ionizing radiation has raised concerns about coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Recently, prospective ECG-triggered sequential scan technique has been introduced in CCTA to significantly reduce radiation exposure. The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with the sequential scan technique on a dual-source CT system with respect to image quality and radiation dose. Qualitative and quantitative image quality as well as radiation dose were assessed in 514 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA either with sequential or spiral image acquisition technique on dual-source CT. The selection of the applied scan technique was at the discretion of an experienced coronary CT angiographer. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of diagnostic image quality. Diagnostic CCTA image quality was found in 1,395/1,429 (97.6%) versus 4,664/4,782 (97.5%) of the coronary segments in patients studied with sequential versus spiral scanning (P = 0.82). While the application of betablockers for CCTA was an independent factor for improved image quality in the multivariate regression analysis, heart rate variability and body mass index were indepentently associated with a deterioriated image quality. The scan technique had no independent impact on diagnostic image quality. Mean estimated radiation dose was reduced by 63% in patients studied with sequential scan technique (3.4 ± 2.2 vs. 7.6 ± 5.0 mSv, P < 0.01). In patients with a low and stable heart rate, the sequential scan technique is a promising method to effectively reduce radiation exposure in dual-source CCTA. Due to the comparable image quality in sequential and spiral dual-source CCTA, the sequential scan technique should be considered as the primary scan protocol in appropriate patients.     

Reproducibility in the assessment of noncalcified coronary plaque with 256-slice multi-detector CT and automated plaque analysis software

We aimed to assess intra- and inter-observer reproducibility in evaluating volume and characteristics of non-calcified coronary plaques (NCPs) using a 256-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography and dedicated automated plaque analysis software in asymptomatic individuals. Forty-two NCPs from 39 patients with a vessel diameter >2 mm were evaluated using a 256-slice MDCT with dedicated automated plaque analysis software. Two independent observers analyzed the characteristics of NCPs, including plaque volume (vol), mean CT number of the NCPs in Hounsfield units (HU_mean), and remodeling index (RI). One of the observers repeated the evaluation of all datasets after an interval of at least 4 weeks. Bland–Altman analysis and concordance correlation coefficients (CCCs) were used to determine intra- and inter-observer variability. For vol measurements, the 95% limits of agreement were ?21.6 and 13.2 mm³, and ?24.6 and 20.3 mm³ for intra- and inter-observer variability, respectively. For HU_mean measurements, the 95% limits of agreement were ?22.2 and 20.8 HU, and ?21.1 and 21.0 HU for intra- and inter-observer variability, respectively. For RI measurements, the 95% limits of agreement were ?0.38 and 0.39, and ?0.51 and 0.36 for intra- and inter-observer variability, respectively. The CCCs was very high for all measurements, ranging from 0.90 to 0.98. Using 256-slice MDCT with dedicated automated plaque analysis software, intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were excellent in evaluating the volume and characteristics of NCP in asymptomatic individuals.     

多层螺旋CT血管成像评价冠状动脉血管旁路移植术

目的评价多层螺旋CT(MSCT)冠状动脉成像对冠状动脉桥血管的临床价值。方法28例患者的69条冠状动脉桥血管接受16层和64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像。对桥血管成像进行影像质量评估,使用多元线性回归方法评估患者心率、心率波动幅度、呼吸运动以及不同CT扫描机对冠状动脉成像质量的影响。其中10位患者26条桥血管的CT血管成像结果与冠状动脉血管造影结果进行对比。结果呼吸运动伪影与冠状动脉桥血管成像质量呈负相关,相关系数为-0.838。64层CT扫描机的影像质量高于16层CT扫描机的影像质量。以CAG结果为参考标准,MSCT冠脉成像诊断桥血管及吻合口狭窄的特异性和敏感性分别为95.7%和92.3%。结论MSCT可以提供可靠的冠状动脉桥血管影像以及较高的诊断准确性。     

Contraindications and side effects of commonly used medications in coronary CT angiography

For certain clinical applications, coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has become a useful tool for the noninvasive evaluation of coronary artery atherosclerosis. To optimize image quality in CCTA, medications are often given prior to scanning to slow the heart rate or distend the arteries. These medications have side effects and are contraindicated in certain patient populations. Metoprolol is the ß-blocker of choice in CCTA, and it has been shown to be effective in achieving the goal heart rate of less than 65 beats per minute for CCTA and in minimizing variability of heart rate. It is contraindicated in patients with hypotension or high degree AV block, and it must be used with caution in patients with asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease, patients with decompensated heart failure, and those with vasospastic or vasoocclusive disease. Diltiazem, the calcium channel blocker of choice in CCTA, is a reasonable alternative for heart control, particularly in patients with asthma or bronchospastic disease, and patients with orthotopic heart transplants that have been sympathetically denervated. Sublingual nitroglycerin is especially useful in order to dilate distal arteries to improve stenosis visibility. However, it is contraindicated in patients on erectile dysfunction medications and those with severe anemia. It must be used cautiously in patients with aortic stenosis or other preload-dependant cardiac pathologies.     

Coronary calcium mass scores measured by identical 64-slice MDCT scanners are comparable: a cardiac phantom study

To assess whether absolute mass scores are comparable or differ between identical 64-slice MDCT scanners of the same manufacturer and to compare absolute mass scores to the physical mass and between scan modes using a calcified phantom. A non-moving anthropomorphic phantom with nine calcifications of three sizes and three densities was scanned 30 times on three 64-slice MDCT scanners of manufacturer A and on three 64-slice MDCT scanners of manufacturer B in both sequential and spiral scan mode. The mean mass scores and mass score variabilities of seven calcifications were determined for all scanners; two non-detectable calcifications were omitted. It was analyzed whether identical scanners yielded similar or significantly different mass scores. Furthermore mass scores were compared to the physical mass and mass scores were compared between scan modes. The mass score calibration factor was determined for all scanners. Mass scores obtained on identical scanners were similar for almost all calcifications. Overall, mass score differences between the scanners were small ranging from 1.5 to 3.4% for the total mass scores, and most differences between scanners were observed for high density calcifications. Mass scores were significantly different from the physical mass for almost all calcifications and all scanners. In sequential mode the total physical mass (167.8 mg) was significantly overestimated (+2.3%) for 4 out of 6 scanners. In spiral mode a significant overestimation (+2.5%) was found for system B and a significant underestimation (−1.8%) for two scanners of system A. Mass scores were dependent on the scan mode, for manufacturer A scores were higher in sequential mode and for manufacturer B in spiral mode. For system A using spiral scan mode no differences were found between identical scanners, whereas a few differences were found using sequential mode. For system B the scan mode did not affect the number of different mass scores between identical scanners. Mass scores obtained in the same scan mode are comparable between identical 64-slice CT scanners and identical 64-slice CT scanners on different sites can be used in follow-up studies. Furthermore, for all systems significant differences were found between mass scores and the physical calcium mass; however, the differences were relatively small and consistent.     

Low-dose coronary computed tomography angiography using prospective ECG-triggering compared to invasive coronary angiography

To assess the diagnostic accuracy of prospective ECG-triggering 64-slice multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD). Forty-two patients (31 males, 11 females, mean age 64 years) underwent cardiac CT and invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Patients with a heart rate of <65 beats/min with stable heart rhythm were included in the study sample. We used a prospective ECG-triggering protocol. Luminal narrowing over 50% was considered to be significant according to a modified 17-segment AHA model, using invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as the standard of reference. The mean radiation dose was 3.5 mSv ± 0.3 (range, 3.3–4.2 mSv), and 542 of 549 segments (98.7%) in the 42 patients were diagnostic. In contrast, 119 of 542 segments (22%) were diagnosed as significant by ICA. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 95.0, 96.2, 96, 85.8 and 98.8%, respectively. False positive results were affected by densely calcified plaques, whereas false negatives were caused by motion artifact with poor vessel attenuation at the distal segments or near the bifurcation area of the coronary arteries. Prospective ECG-triggering MDCT is a useful method for evaluating CAD in patients with a lower heart rate with low radiation dose.     

Methods for quantification of coronary artery calcifications with electron beam and conventional CT and pushing the spiral CT envelope: new cardiac applications

Detection of coronary artery calcifications with slice by slice prospective ECG triggering is feasible with electron beam CT as well as with single and multi-row-detector CT (MDCT). The radiation exposure to the patient to obtain comparable image quality is similar for all three modalities utilizing this prospective acquisition technique.Alternatively, coronary screening can be performed by MDCT with retrospective EKG spiral gating. Radiation exposure to the patient with this technique is significantly higher than with prospective triggering. Nevertheless, acquisition of the entire volume of the heart with retrospective gating holds promise to improve reproducibility of coronary calcium measurements, especially in patients with a low amount of coronary calcium and in patients with atrial fibrillation.If retrospective gating is used for CT angiography (CTA) with MDCT this allows to use thin slices (1.25 mm) and to perform the acquisition within one breath hold period (app. 35 s). This technique is currently limited by the temporal resolution per slice (250 ms). In order to achieve diagnostic image quality the heart rate of the patient thus needs to be sufficiently low. Therefore, in cases with heart rates significantly higher than 70 beats/min betablocker have to be administered for patient preparation as long as there are no contraindications for such a regimen.Because of low image noise and high spatial resolution CTA with MDCT is able to display the entire extent of atherosclerosis allowing to visualize calcified as well as non-calcified plaques of the coronary arteries. Under clinical conditions CTA has the potential to accurately rule out or diagnose significant coronary stenoses of the proximal and mid-segments of the coronary artery tree when compared to conventional selective coronary angiography.     

冠状动脉心肌桥影像及临床研究

目的探讨心肌桥64排螺旋CT冠状动脉成像及冠状动脉造影影像学特点及临床特征。方法回顾性分析256例确诊心肌桥患者的检出率、部位、临床表现、心电图、心脏超声和治疗情况。结果冠状动脉造影检出率为3.96%,64排螺旋CT检出率29.68%;壁血管狭窄率冠状动脉造影为(48.8±21.2)%,64排螺旋CT为(32.6±13.2)%;前降支心肌桥占92%;单纯心肌桥41例(16.02%),合并冠状动脉粥样硬化或冠心病96例(37.50%),合并高血压、高血脂或糖尿病97例(37.89%);心肌桥患者主要表现为胸痛、胸闷、心悸等;心电图表现以非特异性ST-T改变为主,心脏超声收缩功能正常,部分患者舒张功能下降。结论 64排螺旋CT诊断心肌桥优于冠状动脉造影。心肌桥患者多伴有冠心病、高血压等疾病,临床表现多样,治疗以药物为主。     

心率及心率变异对前瞻性心电门控64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响

目的 探讨前瞻性心电门控64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像中心率及心率变异对图像质量的影响。方法 80名受检者接受前瞻性心电门控扫描,检查前口服美托洛尔将心率控制在65次/分以下。以4分法对各冠状动脉段的最佳图像的质量进行评定。利用Pearson相关分析法分析心率、心率变异对图像质量的影响。结果 80名受检者均顺利完成检查,共纳入分析1039段冠状动脉,其中1003段(96.54%)满足诊断需要。平均有效剂量为(6.07±1.13)mSv。右冠状动脉、左旋支及总体图像质量与心率呈负相关(P＜0.05),左前降支、左主干图像质量与心率无显著相关性。总体及各支冠状动脉图像质量与心率变异无显著相关性。结论 前瞻性心电门控64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像能够降低辐射剂量,当受检者心率控制在65次/分以下时,心率变异对图像质量无显著影响,但心率仍是影响图像质量的因素之一。