CT-FFR对冠状动脉狭窄功能评价的临床价值

CT冠状动脉血流储备分数(CT-FFR)可无创性检查冠状动脉粥样硬化性心脏病(冠心病),是一种结合了解剖与功能的检查方法。CT-FFR是基于冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)的影像数据测得的,具有CCTA和冠状动脉血流储备分数(FFR)的优势。CT-FFR从解剖学方面评估病变的狭窄程度,同时可以从血流动力学方面测定狭窄冠状动脉是否存在缺血及缺血的严重程度。综述总结了CT-FFR的优势、诊段效能及其临床应用。     

CCTA技术对冠状动脉狭窄及其钙化斑块的评估

冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）是一种可无创检测冠状动脉粥样硬化性疾病的成像手段,已成为临床筛查及诊断冠心病的首要检查方法。但对于钙化严重的冠状动脉节段,CCTA的特异性及阳性预测值偏低,可导致病人过度治疗,因此限制了CCTA的临床应用。综述钙化斑块伪影对CCTA的影响,并就CCTA对冠状动脉狭窄准确评估的相关技术进展进行分析,以利于临床诊断中提高CCTA对冠状动脉狭窄率的评估。     

The evolving role of coronary CT angiography in Acute Coronary Syndromes

In the United States, non-obstructive coronary disease has been on the rise, and each year, nearly one million adults suffer myocardial infarction, 70% of which are non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In addition, approximately 15% of patients suffering NSTEMI will have subsequent readmission for a recurrent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). While invasive angiography remains the standard of care in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to these patients, these methods have limitations that include procedural complications, uncertain specificity in diagnosis of the culprit lesion in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD), and challenges in following coronary disease over time. The role of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) for evaluating patients with both stable and acute chest pain has seen a paramount upshift in the last decade. This paper reviews the established role of CCTA for the rapid exclusion of obstructive plaque in troponin negative acute chest pain, while exploring opportunities to address challenges in the current approach to evaluating NSTEMI.     

Future of cardiac computed tomography

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has become an integral tool in the noninvasive diagnostic workup of patients with suspected coronary artery disease in both elective and emergency settings. Today, it represents a mature technique providing accurate, non-invasive morphological assessment of the coronary arteries and atherosclerotic plaque burden. Iterative reconstruction algorithms, low kV imaging, and single-heart beat acquisitions hold promise to further reduce dose requirements and improve the safety and robustness of the technique in several circumstances including imaging of heavily calcified vessels, patients with morbid obesity or irregular heart rates, and assessment in the emergency setting. However, it has become clear over recent years that cardiac radiologists need to take further steps towards the development and integration of functional imaging with morphological CCTA assessment to truly provide a comprehensive evaluation of the heart. Computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging, including both dynamic and static dual-energy approaches, has demonstrated the ability to directly assess and quantify myocardial ischemia with simultaneous CCTA acquisition with a reasonable contrast medium volume and radiation dose delivered to the patient. In order to promote CCTA in the clinical and research environments, radiologists should prepare to embrace the change from morphological to functional imaging, furnishing all the necessary resources and information to referring clinicians.     

Should CT replace IVUS for evaluation of CAD in large-scale clinical trials: Effects of medical therapy on atherosclerotic plaque

Clinical trials assessing the effect of medical therapies on atherosclerotic plaques have hitherto employed invasive imaging techniques such as intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). This has limited the study population to high-risk patients in whom invasive coronary angiography is indicated; moreover, IVUS typically is performed utilizing a target lesion-based analysis. Recently, comprehensive quantitative analysis of all atherosclerotic plaques in the complete coronary artery network has become possible through the use of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Excellent inter-observer and inter-scan reproducibility of CCTA has been reported. Several studies have already tested the applicability of CCTA-measured plaque volume changes as an imaging surrogate endpoint in clinical trials and have found positive results. Further, substantial evidence supports the use of CCTA as a novel imaging surrogate that can accurately assess the changes in plaque characteristics according to medical treatment. In this review, we summarize current evidences that support the use of CCTA as a novel imaging surrogate that can replace IVUS in evaluating the results of treatment. We also attempt to determine whether the technological advances in CCTA will extend its application beyond use as a diagnostic method in clinical practice to use in large-scale clinical trials.     

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.     

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.     

胸痛影像学评估的前瞻性多中心研究及进展

胸痛评估的前瞻性多中心影像学研究（PROMISE）始于2010年,该研究分析症状稳定的疑似冠心病病人首选冠状动脉CT血管成像（CCTA）进行解剖学检查或首选无创性功能学检查,旨在探究病人临床结局的差异。PROMISE研究了CCTA、功能学检查及冠状动脉钙化积分和CT血流储备分数等无创性检查方法对疑似冠心病的稳定性胸痛病人的预后价值,并探讨了生物标志物、年龄、性别、代谢性疾病对稳定性胸痛病人的影响。此外,PROMISE开发并验证了风险分层模型和个体化选择检查方法的工具。PROMISE对CCTA和功能学检查的应用产生了很大的影响,为疑似冠心病病人无创检查方法的选择提供了重要循证依据。     

State of the art of coronary computed tomography angiography

ObjectivesThe aim of this paper is to evaluate contrast media (CM) bolus geometry and opacification patterns in the coronary arteries with particular focus on patient, scanner and safety considerations during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).Key findingsThe rapid evolution of computed tomography (CT) technology has seen this imaging modality challenge conventional coronary angiography in the evaluation of coronary artery disease. Increases in spatial and temporal resolutions have enabled CCTA to become the modality of choice when evaluating the coronary vascular tree as an alternative in the diagnostic algorithm for acute chest pain. However, these new technologic improvements in scanner technology have imposed new challenges for the optimisation of CM delivery and image acquisition strategies.ConclusionUnderstanding basic CM-imaging principles is essential for designing optimal injection protocols according to each specific clinical scenario, independently of scanner technology.Implications for practiceWith rapid advances in CT scanner technology including faster scan acquisitions, the risk of poor opacification of coronary vasculature increases significantly. Therefore, awareness of CM delivery protocols is paramount to consistently provide optimal image quality at a low radiation dose.     

The evolving role of coronary computed tomography in understanding sex differences in coronary atherosclerosis

Our understanding of sex differences in subclinical atherosclerosis and plaque composition and characteristics have greatly improved with the use of coronary computed tomography (CCTA) over the past years. CCTA has emerged as an important frontline diagnostic test for women, especially as we continue to understand the impact of non-obstructive atherosclerosis as well as diffuse, high risk plaque as precursors of acute cardiac events in women.Based on its ability to identify complex plaque morphology such as low attenuation plaque, high risk non calcified plaque, positive remodeling, fibrous cap, CCTA can be used to assess plaque characteristics. CCTA can avoid false positive of other imaging studies, if included earlier in assessment of ischemic symptoms. In the contemporary clinical setting, CCTA will prove useful in further understanding and managing cardiovascular disease in women and those without traditional obstructive coronary disease.     

低辐射剂量冠状动脉成像的研究进展

冠状动脉CT成像（CCTA）已成为一种准确率较高的评价冠状动脉解剖形态的无创手段,但是检查产生的高剂量辐射越来越受到人们的普遍关注。如何在尽可能降低辐射剂量的同时保证诊断质量已成为CCTA的研究热点。笔者就该方面近年的研究进展做一综述。     

冠状动脉CT血管成像和运动平板试验对冠心病患者的诊断比较

目的:评价冠状动脉CT血管成像(CCTA)和运动平板试验(TET)对冠心病的诊断价值。方法:以常规冠状动脉造影(CAG)为诊断冠心病(冠脉狭窄≥50%)的"金标准",对同期先后行TET、CCTA和CAG 3种检查的75例疑似冠心病患者进行回顾性分析,将其TET和CCTA的结果与CAG进行比较。结果:TET和CCTA诊断冠心病的敏感度分别为45.2%和90.5%,特异度为69.7%和93.9%,阳性预测值为65.5%和95.0%,阴性预测值为50.0%和88.6%,准确率为56.0%和92.0%,P<0.01。在冠状动脉血管水平CCTA对右冠状动脉、左主干、前降支、回旋支狭窄诊断的准确率分别为86.7%、100.0%、88.0%和76.0%。冠心病患者中TET诊断阳性率与病变血管支数呈正相关(r=0.440,P=0.004);冠心病患者TET诊断结果阳性与阴性仅与血管狭窄程度≥75%狭窄的节段数目有统计学差异(P=0.016)。结论:CCTA诊断冠心病较TET有更高的诊断准确性和较低的诊断假阳性和假阴性,对有症状的疑诊冠心病患者CCTA的诊断具有更重要作用。     

Prognostic value of CT myocardial perfusion imaging and CT-derived fractional flow reserve for major adverse cardiac events in patients with coronary artery disease

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of dynamic CT perfusion imaging (CTP) and CT derived fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR) for major adverse cardiac events (MACE).Methods81 patients from 4 institutions underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with dynamic CTP imaging and CT-FFR analysis. Patients were followed-up at 6, 12, and 18 months after imaging. MACE were defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, or revascularization. CT-FFR was computed for each major coronary artery using an artificial intelligence-based application. CTP studies were analyzed per vessel territory using an index myocardial blood flow, the ratio between territory and global MBF. The prognostic value of CCTA, CT-FFR, and CTP was investigated with a univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model.Results243 vessels in 81 patients were interrogated by CCTA with CT-FFR and 243 vessel territories (1296 segments) were evaluated with dynamic CTP imaging. Of the 81 patients, 25 (31%) experienced MACE during follow-up. In univariate analysis, a positive index-MBF resulted in the largest risk for MACE (HR 11.4) compared to CCTA (HR 2.6) and CT-FFR (HR 4.6). In multivariate analysis, including clinical factors, CCTA, CT-FFR, and index-MBF, only index-MBF significantly contributed to the risk of MACE (HR 10.1), unlike CCTA (HR 1.2) and CT-FFR (HR 2.2).ConclusionOur study provides initial evidence that dynamic CTP alone has the highest prognostic value for MACE compared to CCTA and CT-FFR individually or a combination of the three, independent of clinical risk factors.     

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     

Evaluation of myocarditis with delayed-enhancement computed tomography

A healthy 19-year-old man with no history of substance abuse presented with 3 days of dyspnea and chest pressure relieved by leaning forward associated with nausea, emesis, and diarrhea. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) showed normal coronary artery anatomy and no evidence of coronary artery plaque. The delayed-enhancement CCTA showed patchy epicardial and mid-myocardial enhancement of the wall and apex, consistent with myocardial inflammation. Delayed-enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) performed the following day confirmed patchy, diffuse epicardial hyperenhancement of the lateral wall, septum, and apex consistent with myocardial inflammation. Both CCTA and CMR supported the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. Delayed-enhancement CCTA is correlated with delayed-enhancement CMR in acute myocarditis by territory and extent and can show late hyperenhancement that can be transmural, subepicardial, or confined to small foci within a layer of the myocardium. Delayed-enhancement CCTA has potential utility for simultaneous evaluation of coronary arteries and myocardial inflammation in suspected myocarditis.     

Assessing 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. Initial cost analysis in the CAT-CAD randomized trial

BackgroundClinical and safety outcomes of the strategy employing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) as the first-choice imaging test have recently been demonstrated in the recently published CAT-CAD randomized, prospective, single-center study. Based on prospectively collected data in this patient population, we aimed to perform an initial cost analysis of this approach.Methods120 participants of the CAT-CAD trial (age:60.6 ± 7.9 years, 35% female) were included in the analysis. We analyzed medical resource use during the diagnostic and therapeutic episode of care. We prospectively estimated the cumulative cost for each strategy by multiplying the number of resources by standardized costs in accordance to medical databases and the 2015 Procedural Reimbursement Payment Guide.ResultsThe total cost of coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis was significantly lower in the CCTA group as compared to the direct invasive coronary angiography (ICA) group ($50,176 vs $137,032) with corresponding per-patient cost of $836 vs $2,284, respectively. Similarly, the entire diagnostic and therapeutic episode of care was significantly less expensive in the CCTA group ($227,622 vs $502,827) with corresponding per-patient cost of $4630 vs $8,380, respectively. Overall, the application of CCTA as a first-line diagnostic test in stable patients with indications to ICA resulted in a 63% reduction of CAD diagnosis costs and a 55% reduction composite of diagnosis and treatment costs during 90-days follow-up.ConclusionsApplication of CCTA as the first-line anatomic test in patients with suspected significant CAD decreased the total costs of diagnosis. This is likely attributable to reduced numbers of invasive tests and hospitalisations. Initial cost analysis of the CAT-CAD randomized trial suggests that this approach may provide significant cost savings for the entire health system.     

前瞻性心电门控技术在256层CT冠状动脉成像中的应用

目的:比较前瞻性心电门控(前门控)与回顾性心电门控(后门控)螺旋CT冠状动脉成像的图像质量及辐射量,探讨前门控CTA对冠心病的临床应用价值。方法:分析接受前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉检查的109例患者及接受回顾性心电门控冠状动脉检查的99例患者的影像学资料,对其图像质量及辐射量进行评价。结果:前门控与后门控两组图像质量评分分别为4.97±4.78和4.36±0.69,两组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),前门控与后门控两组有效辐射量分别为(3.13±0.57)mSv和(10.21±2.43)mSv,两组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:在一定的心率(<75次/分)范围内,256层螺旋CT前门控冠状动脉成像的图像诊断质量与后门控具有一致性,且前门控明显降低了辐射量。     

Impact of age on coronary artery plaque progression and clinical outcome: A PARADIGM substudy

BackgroundThe association of age with coronary plaque dynamics is not well characterized by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).MethodsFrom a multinational registry of patients who underwent serial CCTA, 1153 subjects (61 ± 5 years old, 61.1% male) were analyzed. Annualized volume changes of total, fibrous, fibrofatty, necrotic core, and dense calcification plaque components of the whole heart were compared by age quartile groups. Clinical events, a composite of all-cause death, acute coronary syndrome, and any revascularization after 30 days of the initial CCTA, were also analyzed. Random forest analysis was used to define the relative importance of age on plaque progression.ResultsWith a 3.3-years’ median interval between the two CCTA, the median annual volume changes of total plaque in each age quartile group was 7.8, 10.5, 10.8, and 12.1 mm³/year and for dense calcification, 2.5, 4.6, 5.4, and 7.1 mm³/year, both of which demonstrated a tendency to increase by age (p-for-trend = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). However, this tendency was not observed in any other plaque components. The annual volume changes of total plaque and dense calcification were also significantly different in the propensity score-matched lowest age quartile group versus the other age groups as was the composite clinical event (log-rank p = 0.003). In random forest analysis, age had comparable importance in the total plaque volume progression as other traditional factors.ConclusionsThe rate of whole-heart plaque progression and dense calcification increases depending on age. Age is a significant factor in plaque growth, the importance of which is comparable to other traditional risk factors.Clinical trial registrationURL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifiers: NCT02803411.     

评价迭代重建法与滤过反投影法在冠状动脉CTA检查中的价值

目的：对行冠状动脉CTA检查的患者原始数据应用低剂量自适应迭代重建技术（AIDR ）与滤过反投影法（FBP ）两种方法的图像进行比较,旨在了解迭代重建算法的图像质量及其临床应用价值。方法：26例临床疑似稳定性心绞痛患者采用320排CT行冠状动脉CTA检查。利用AIDR 重建的常规X线剂量方案扫描,对采集得到的原始数据分别用AIDR和FBP两种方法进行图像重建。测量升主动脉开口、右冠状动脉近段、左冠状动脉主干、右冠状动脉中段、左前降支近段及左回旋支近段的CT值、背景SD并计算分析SNR、CNR值。比较两者的图像质量。结果：26例患者都在一次心动周期完成冠状动脉检查。在血管各节段测得的平均CT值差异无统计学意义（P＞0．05）,背景SD值的差异有统计学意义（P＜0．001）,计算得到的SNR、CNR差异有统计学意义（P＜0．001）。两组图像质量的主观评分差异有统计学意义,AIDR （3．73±0．49）、FBP（3．59±0．61）（P＜0．01）。结论：应用AIDR重建法的图像质量优于FBP 重建法,迭代重建技术可明显降低图像噪声,改善影像质量并具有降低辐射剂量的作用。     

What makes a coronary CT angiogram nondiagnostic?

Despite the high diagnostic accuracy of multidetector coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) for the detection and exclusion of obstructive coronary artery stenosis, several technologic limitations of current generation CT scanners may cause artifacts that prevent interpretation of images or cause misclassification of lesions. This review discusses the identification and resolution of the most commonly encountered artifacts that may cause a CCTA to be nondiagnostic, including aspects related to (1) spatial resolution, (2) temporal resolution, (3) contrast enhancement, and (4) other patient-specific factors.