Analysis of heart rate and heart rate variation during cardiac CT examinations

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to examine heart rate and heart rate variability during cardiac computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients (59.0 +/- 13.5 years) underwent coronary CT angiography (CTA), with 52 patients also undergoing coronary artery calcium scanning (CAC). Forty-two patients with heart rate greater than 70 bpm were pretreated with oral beta-blockers (in five patients, use of beta-blocker was not known). Sixty-four patients were given sublingual nitroglycerin. Mean heart rate and percentage of beats outside a +/-5 bpm region about the mean were compared between baseline (free breathing), prescan hyperventilation, and scan acquisition (breath-hold). RESULTS: Mean scan acquisition time was 13.1 +/- 1.5 seconds for CAC scanning and 14.2 +/- 2.9 seconds for coronary CTA. Mean heart rate during scan acquisition was significantly lower than at baseline (CAC 58.2 +/- 8.5 bpm; CTA 59.2 +/- 8.8 bpm; baseline 62.8 +/- 8.9 bpm; P < .001). The percentage of beats outside a +/-5 bpm about the mean were not different between baseline and CTA scanning (3.5% versus 3.3%, P = .87). The injection of contrast had no significant effect on heart rate (58.2 bpm versus 59.2 bpm, P = .24) or percentage of beats outside a +/-5 bpm about the mean (3.0% versus 3.3%, P = .64). No significant difference was found between gender and age groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Breath-holding during cardiac CT scan acquisition significantly lowers the mean heart rate by approximately 4 bpm, but heart rate variability is the same or less compared with normal breathing.     

双源CT冠状动脉成像的图像质量及重组时相与心率的关系

目的 探讨双源CT冠状动脉成像的图像质量和重组时相与心率的关系.方法 对95例临床可疑冠心病患者进行双源CT增强扫描,检查前均不使用β受体阻滞剂控制心率.按扫描时心率分为3组:低心率组(≤70 次/min)26例,中心率组(71～90 次/min)37例,高心率组(t≥91 次/min)32例.利用回顾性心电门控重建出10%～100% R-R时相的图像,分析不同R-R时相冠状动脉的图像质量情况及其与心率的关系.结果 低、中、高心率3组图像质量评分分别为(1.08±0.27)、(1.32±0.58)、(1.47±0.61)分,低心率和中心率组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),低心率组图像质量评分显著优于高心率组(P＜0.05),中心率组和高心率组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).只有1.4%(19/1386)的冠状动脉节段不可评价.74例患者(77.9%)可在单一重组时相获得冠状动脉各段最佳图像质量.低心率组23例(88.5%)最佳重组时相在舒张中晚期;高心率组27例(84.4%)的最佳重组时相前移至舒张早期和收缩末期.结论 双源CT能够在相当宽的心率范围内提供优良的图像质量;多数患者可在单一时相获得各支冠状动脉最佳质量图像,随着心率的增快最佳重组时相从舒张中晚期前移至舒张早期和收缩末期.     

320层CT冠状动脉成像心室率及心室率波动对图像质量、诊断结果的影响

目的评价320层CT前瞻性心电门控心室率和心室率波动对冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响,并分析诊断明显冠状动脉狭窄准确性。方法回顾分析470例患者行320层CT冠状动脉成像(CTCA)的资料,其中78例患者同时行传统冠状动脉造影(CCA)。按照扫描实时平均心室率(HR)和心室率波动的四分位间距分别分成A组〔HR<60(bpm)〕、B组(HR 61～66bpm)、C组(HR 67～71bpm)、D组(HR>72bpm)和N组(心室率波动0次)、L组(心室率波动1次)、M组(心室率波动2次)、H组(心室率波动3次以上)。分析各组冠状动脉成像的图像质量(4分法);以CCA为金标准,评价CTCA诊断显著性冠状动脉狭窄的准确性,用连续校正配对2检验比较两项检查结果之间的差异性。结果共5753个血管段中5736个血管段能够满足诊断要求,不同心室率各组之间(2=102.80,P=0.00)和心室率波动各组之间(2=58.62,P=0.00)图像质量的优良率差异有统计学意义,可评价血管段比例差异无统计学意义(2=5.97,P=0.11;2=6.91,P=0.08);图像质量与心室率(r=0.12)和心室率波动(r=0.06)呈弱的负相关。以冠状动脉血管段为评价单位,CTCA诊断显著性冠状动脉狭窄的敏感性、特异性、阴性预测值、阳性预测值、正确诊断指数分别为85%(73/86),97%(917/942),99%(917/930),75%(73/98),82%,与CCA检查结果的差异无统计学意义(2=617.26,P=0.07,Kappa=0.77);以患者为评价单位则为100%(53/53),88%(22/25),100%(22/22),96%(53/56),88%,与CCA检查结果的差异无统计学意义(2=0.02,P=0.25,Kappa=0.92)。结论本研究表明前瞻性心电门控320层CT冠状动脉成像图像质量能够较好适应高心室率和心室率波动,诊断冠心病与CCA差异无统计意义。     

Noninvasive coronary angiography with 64-section CT: effect of average heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality

PURPOSE: To evaluate prospectively the effect of average heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality at 64-section computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study protocol had local ethics committee approval; written informed consent was obtained. There were 125 patients (45 women, 80 men; mean age, 59.9 years +/- 12.9 [standard deviation]; 79 receiving beta-blockers) who underwent 64-section CT coronary angiography with retrospective electrocardiographic gating. Data sets were reconstructed in 5% steps from 20% to 80% of R-R interval. Heart rate variability was calculated as 1 standard deviation from mean rate during scanning. Two observers rated image quality of each coronary segment at least 1.5-mm diameter (1 = no motion artifacts, 5 = not evaluative). Repeated analysis of variance measurements were performed to evaluate quantitative parameters. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to compare image quality in each patient with average heart rate and heart rate variability. RESULTS: Average heart rate was 63.3 beats per minute +/- 13.1, with variability of 3.2 beats per minute +/- 2.1. Diagnostic image quality (score < or = 3) was attained in 1821 of 1836 segments at the best reconstruction interval. There was no correlation between mean heart rate and image quality for all segments of the right coronary and left anterior descending arteries, but there was a significant correlation for left circumflex artery (r = 0.33, P < .05). Heart rate variability was correlated with image quality overall (r = 0.75, P < .001) and for each coronary artery. Heart rate was less variable and image quality was better (P < .05) in patients receiving beta-blockers. Best image quality was obtained in diastole with heart rate less than 80 beats per minute and in systole with faster heart rate. CONCLUSION: Coronary angiography with 64-section CT provides diagnostic image quality within a wide range of heart rates. Reducing average heart rate and heart rate variability is beneficial for reducing artifacts.     

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.     

Correction for heart rate variability during 3D whole heart MR coronary angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a real-time adaptive trigger delay on image quality to correct for heart rate variability in 3D whole-heart coronary MR angiography (MRA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve healthy adults underwent 3D whole-heart coronary MRA with and without the use of an adaptive trigger delay. The moment of minimal coronary artery motion was visually determined on a high temporal resolution MRI. Throughout the scan performed without adaptive trigger delay, trigger delay was kept constant, whereas during the scan performed with adaptive trigger delay, trigger delay was continuously updated after each RR-interval using physiological modeling. Signal-to-noise, contrast-to-noise, vessel length, vessel sharpness, and subjective image quality were compared in a blinded manner. RESULTS: Vessel sharpness improved significantly for the middle segment of the right coronary artery (RCA) with the use of the adaptive trigger delay (52.3 +/- 7.1% versus 48.9 +/- 7.9%, P = 0.026). Subjective image quality was significantly better in the middle segments of the RCA and left anterior descending artery (LAD) when the scan was performed with adaptive trigger delay compared to constant trigger delay. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that the use of an adaptive trigger delay to correct for heart rate variability improves image quality mainly in the middle segments of the RCA and LAD.     

Impact of heart rate variability in patients with normal sinus rhythm on image quality in coronary magnetic angiography

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of heart rate variability on image quality in patients with suspected coronary artery disease during magnetic resonance coronary angiography (MRCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The coronary images from 70 patients who underwent target-volume MRA were retrospectively analyzed. Two independent observers evaluated image quality using a score from 0 (nonvisible) to 4 (excellent quality). Images were grouped into good (score > 2) and poor image quality (score 0-2). Five parameters (effective scan duration, navigator efficiency, mean heart rate, acquisition window, and heart rate variability) were evaluated. RESULTS: In all, 56 of the 70 patients (80%) were scored as good and 14 as poor image quality. Only the navigator efficiency, heart rate variability, and acquisition window showed statistically significant for the prediction of image quality, with navigator efficiency being the strongest predictor. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with navigator efficiency >60% had good image quality independent of the heart rate variability. In patients with navigator efficiency < or =60%, heart rate variability is the only remaining significant parameter (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Navigator efficiency was the most important predictor of MRCA image quality. Heart rate variability is the most important predictor of image quality in patients with a navigator efficiency < or =60%.     

心室率、心室率波动及心电编辑对心房颤动患者64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的影响

目的 探讨不同心室率、心室率波动对心房颤动患者64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像(CTCA)图像质量的影响程度以及心电编辑对图像质量改善的有效性.方法 50例心房颤动患者行CTCA检查.评价心电编辑前后各节段冠状动脉血管的图像质量(优、中、差).用X~2检验分析不同心室率、心室率波动程度间及心电编辑前后图像质量的差异程度,用Pearson方法分析平均心室率及心室率波动程度与图像质量间的相关性.与冠状动脉造影结果进行比较,计算敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值.结果 50例心房颤动患者,平均心室率47～153次/min,平均(89±23)次/min;心室率波动程度7.7～36.8次/min,平均(18.2±6.1)次/min.共评价冠状动脉血管节段704段,最终不可用于诊断的冠状动脉血管节段24段(3.4%),6例患者(12.0%)的CTCA图像中部分血管段无法满足诊断需要.平均心室率＞100次/min时图像质量差的冠状动脉节段数(11段)及心室率波动程度＞24次/min时图像质量差的冠状动脉节段数(11段)均明显增加(P＜0.05).冠状动脉各节段总体图像质量、右冠状动脉及远段冠状动脉血管图像质量与平均心室率及心室率波动程度均有显著相关性(r值分别为0.50、0.55、0.53、0.49、0.42和0.44,P值均＜0.05).心电编辑前后图像质量间差异有统计学意义(P=0.013).以患者为单位,与冠状动脉造影对照,诊断冠状动脉狭窄≥50%的敏感性、特异性、阴性预测值、阳性预测值分别为100%(6/6)、93.2%(41/44)、100%(41/41)、66.7%(6/9).结论 应用64层螺旋CT进行心房颤动患者的冠状动脉成像检查,可在一定平均心室率及心室率波动范围内通过心电编辑有效改善图像质量,提高检查成功率.     

自然心率下128层双源Flash Spiral CT冠状动脉成像质量及辐射剂量的研究

目的 探讨自然心率下舣源CT Flash螺旋心脏模式和前瞻性心电触发序列模式的冠状动脉成像质量及辐射剂量,以实现个性化低剂量冠状动脉扫描模式的选择.方法 将60例行CT冠状动脉血管成像(CTCA)检查的患者分为2组,A组27例行Flash螺旋心脏模式扫描,入组标准:心率65次/min(bpm)以下,窦性心律且律齐,心率波动范围在±5 bpm以内.采集期相为60%R-R间期.B组33例行前瞻性心电触发序列(SAS)扫描,入组标准:(1)心率≥65 bpm,(2)心律不齐、早搏、心房颤动.排除标准:屏气不佳者.采集期相:(1)心率≤75 bpm为60%-80%R-R间期,(2)心率>75 bpm为30%-50%R-R间期,(3)心律不齐、早搏、心房颤动为20%～90%R-R间期.2组的管电压均随体质量指数(BMI)调整,BMI≥25.0 kg/m2管电乐采用120 kV,BMI<25.0 kg/m2管电压采用100 kV,A组的BMI为(24.6±1.0)ks/m2,B组的BMI为(24.6±0.9)kg/m2.对2组扫描的冠状动脉分别做图像后处理,应用两独立样本t检验对2组患者冠状动脉段图像质量评分及辐射剂量进行统计分析.结果 可评价的冠状动脉节段748段,其中A组336段、B组412段;A组冠状动脉段图像质量评价为优良者达98.2%(330/336),B组的达98.1%(404/412),2组图像质量评分差异无统计学意义(t=0.513,P=0.608).A组平均有效剂量为(0.74 4-0.29)mSv,B组为(3.67±1.37)mSv,2组之间差异有统计学意义(t=-10.858,P=0.000).结论 2组个性化低剂量冠状动脉扫描模式可在保证图像质量的同时显著降低辐射剂量.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the quality and radiation doses of coronary artery angiography under the natural heart rate condition between Flash spiral heart mode and prospective electrocardiogramtriggering sequence mode using dual-source,in order to choose personalized low doses of coronary artery scanning mode.Methods Sixty patients who underwent coronary angiography(CTA)on a 128-slice,dualsource CT scanner were divided into 2 group i.e,group A(27cases)and group B(33 cases).Flash spiral heart scan mode was employed for group A.Inclusion criteria included:heart rate<65 bpm.regular sinus rhythm,heart rate fluctuation less than ±5 bpm.Date acquisition was set at 60% of the R-R interval.Prospective electrocardiogram-triggering sequence scan mode(SAS)was performod for group B.Inclusion criteria included:(1)heart rate≥65 bpm,(2)arrhythmias,premature beat,fibrillation atrial.Exclusion criteria included:bad holding breath.Date acquisition(1)At low heart rate(≤75 bpm),date acquisition was set at 60%-80%of the R-R interval.(2)At high heart rate(>75 bpm),date acquisition was set at 30%-50%of the R-R interval. (3)At the arrhythmias,premature beat,fibrillation atrial,date acquisition was set at 20%-90%of the R-R interval.In both gronps,patients with a BMI≥25.0kg/m2 were examined with a tube voltage of 120 kV.while the other patients with a BMI<25.0 kg/m2 were examined with a tube voltage of 100 kV.The BMl was(24.6±1.0)kg/m2 in group A,while that was (24.6±0.9)kg/m2 in group B.In both groups,all images were transferred to the workstation for further processing and analysis.The imaging quality of coronary artery segments and the radiation dose were compared with t test.Results A total of 336 coronary artery segments were evaluated in group A and 412 segments were evaluated in group B.The imaging quality of coronary artery segments were scored.Excellent or good was achieved in 98.2%(330 of 336)artery segments in group A,and that was 98.1%(404 of 412)in group B.There was no statistical difference in imaging quality between the two groups(t=0.513,P=0.608).The average effective dose was(0.74±0.29)mSv in group A,whereas that was(3.67±1.37)mSv in group B.There was a significant difference between the two groups(t=-10.858,P=0.000).Conclusions The personalized low doses coronary artery scanning mode can substantially reduce radiation damage while preserving good imaging quality.     

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.     

前瞻性心电门控双源CT冠状动脉成像在高心率患者中应用的可行性研究

目的 探讨心率不低于91次/分(bpm)患者回顾性心电门控双源CT(DSCT)冠状动脉成像R-R间期的最佳重建时相,从扫描时相选择的角度分析前瞻性心电门控(简称前门控)应用的可行性.方法 分析232例行回顾性心电门控DSCT冠状动脉成像患者(体质量指数23～25 kg/m2,心率≥91 bpm)的图像,根据扫描过程中患者屏气时心电监控记录到的心率将其分为3组(A～C组),A组83例,心率91～95 bpm,B组68例,心率96～100 bpm,C组81例,心率≥101 bpm.每隔3%重建1个时相,分别由2名医师独立对横断面图像、薄层MIP、CPR、VRT图像质量采用5分法进行综合评估,按照15段分段法,选出每个节段的R-R间期的最佳重建时相及范围.采用Kappa检验,评价2名医师对冠状动脉图像评分的一致性.结果 232例患者中,可评价冠状动脉节段共3343个,其图像最佳重建时相范围集中在81%～61%和51%～31%.3组冠状动脉节段与之相对应的节段数百分比:A组(91～95 bpm,83例的1183个节段)分别为5.49%、94.51%;B组(96-100 bpm,68例986个节段)分别为0.20%、99.80%;C组(≥101 bpm,81例1174个节段)分别为0.17%、99.83%.232例患者的3343个冠状动脉节段中3274个节段(97.94%)最佳重建时相范围集中在以41%为中心的51%～31%R-R间期范围内.2名医师对232例患者的3343个冠状动脉节段图像质量的评分结果得到了较高的一致性(Kappa值=0.883,P<0.05).结论 具有稳定的窦性心律,且屏气时平均心率≥91 bpm患者,冠状动脉节段的最佳重建时相集中于以R-R间期41%为中心的51%～31%,从扫描时相选择的角度考虑,可以对稳定高心率(≥91 bpm)患者行前门控横断面扫描,并且预设41%为曝光时间窗,成功把握较大.     

心率对256层CT前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像质量的影响

目的：探讨心率对256层螺旋CT前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉成像质量的影响,并与回顾性心电门控进行对照分析。方法：156例患者行前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉检查,73例行回顾性心电门控冠状动脉检查,所有病例按心率分为＜60次/分,60～69次/分,70～79次/分,80～89次/分,90～99次/分及≥100次/分共6组。对所有冠...     

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.     

地面模拟长航时飞行时飞行学员心率和心率变异性的变化

目的探讨飞行人员长航时飞行中生理变化特点,观察心理疲劳对抗措施对长航时飞行心理疲劳的缓解作用。方法20名健康男性教-8飞行学员随机分为对照组和试验组,在教-8飞行模拟器上进行8h的长航时模拟飞行。试验组在飞行中的休息阶段采取放松措施,对照组休息阶段不采取任何措施。记录飞行学员模拟飞行过程中的心电信号,分析心率、心率变异性（heart rate variability,HRV）以及体动强度。结果模拟长航时飞行中,试验组的平均心率显著低于对照组（F-184．241,P-0．000）,试验组休息时平均心率低于飞行时（F-17．564,P-0．000）;而对照组在飞行和休息时心率变化规律不明显（F-2．014,P-0．156）。对照组休息时较飞行时校正低频功率（low frequency normalized unit,LFnu）、低频高频比值（LF／HF）显著增加,校正高频功率（highfre-quency normalized unit,HFnu）显著降低。而试验组在休息时LFnu、HFnu、LF／HF指标与飞行时比较,仅第1次第有明显变化（P〈O．05）。对照组的体动强度在休息时显著高于飞行阶段,而试验组没有明显改变。结论地面模拟长航时飞行试验中,受试者的自主神经兴奋性因试验因素的变化存在明显的变化规律。从心率变化分析,地面模拟长航时飞行属于单位时问内低负荷持续作业的试验模型。在飞行中的休息阶段实施放松措施能有效缓解受试者的焦虑、烦躁情绪。HRV频域指标中,LFnu、HFnu、LF／HF可作为评价情绪负荷较为敏感的指标。     

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.     

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.     

320-detector row CT coronary angiography: effects of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, diagnostic accuracy and radiation exposure

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, patient dose and diagnostic accuracy of 320-detector row CT.

Methods

94 patients were prospectively enrolled. Heart rate was defined as the mean value of different intervals elapsing between two consecutive R waves in an electrocardiogram (R–R intervals) and the heart rate variability was calculated as the standard deviation from the average heart rate. The image quality was evaluated by four grades, according to motion artefacts (“step artefacts” and “blurring artefacts”). The diagnostic accuracy was analysed in 43 patients who were scheduled for invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The coeffects of heart rate and heart rate variability on image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated by multivariate regression.

Results

The mean image quality score was 1.2±0.5 and the mean effective dose was 14.8±9.8 mSv. The results showed that heart rate (74.0±11.2 beats per minute) was the single factor influencing image quality (p<0.001) and radiation dose (p<0.001), while heart rate variability (3.7±4.6) had no significant effect on them (p=0.16 and p=0.47, respectively). For 43 patients who underwent ICA, heart rate and heart rate variability showed no influence on the accuracy (p=0.17 and p=0.12, respectively). Overall sensitivity was 97.4% (37/38), specificity was 99.4% (351/353), positive predictive value was 94.9% (37/39) and negative predictive value was 99.7% (351/352).

Conclusion

320-detector row CT, with improved longitudinal coverage of detector, resolves step artefact and high patient dose caused by irregular heart rate. However, it is still recommended to control heart rate to a lower level to eliminate blurring artefact and radiation dose.As the clinical application of 4-detector CT to scan the coronary arteries by a non-invasive procedure, CT coronary angiography has emerged as an attractive, diagnostic modality for detecting coronary artery disease. However, motion artefact by rapid movement throughout the cardiac cycle and blooming artefact caused by calcified plaque represent the major challenges for artefact-free coronary CT angiography. Generally, “step artefacts” and “blurring artefacts” are two kinds of motion artefact influencing the quality of coronary artery image. To improve image quality, CT scanners with higher spatial resolution, temporal resolution and wider detector array were developed.The Discovery™ CT750 HD (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI) improves spatial resolution and decreased calcium blooming artefact significantly [1]. Dual-source CT (DSCT), with two X-ray sources and a temporal resolution of 83 ms, has improved blurring artefacts caused by high heart rate (HR) [2-4]. Nevertheless, as the coverage of the detectors is limited, step artefacts caused by heart rate variability (HRv) is still an inverse factor influencing the image quality [2,3]. Just as the improved temporal resolution should resolve the problem of high HR, the longitudinal coverage of the detector should be expanded further to resolve the influence of HRv [5-8]. 320-detector row dynamic volume CT (DVCT) can cover the whole heart within one heartbeat, which enables DVCT to have the potential to resolve the impact of HRv [9].A previous study has shown that DVCT reliably provides high diagnostic accuracy without HR control [9]. The aim of our study was to evaluate the influence of degree of HR and HRv on image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy in patients undergoing DVCT.     

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。     

64层探测器CT冠状动脉成像依据不同心率的最佳重建方案

目的:探讨64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像不同心率下冠状动脉各节段血管的最佳重建时相。方法:对61例患者行64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像,扫描后原始数据分别按R-R间期30%、35%、40%、45%、50%、60%、70%、75%的相位进行后处理重组,按扫描期间平均心率分组,Ⅰ组30例,心率70次/min;Ⅱ组31例,心率≥70次/min。分析不同心率组不同R-R时相对各支冠状动脉血管的显示情况。结果:Ⅰ组的所有的冠状动脉节段可以在单一的75%相位上获得最佳图像质量;Ⅱ组的所有冠状动脉可以在单一的45%或40%的相位上获得最佳图像质量,多时相重建并不能显著提高图像质量。结论:随着64层螺旋CT时间分辨率的充分发展,所有冠状动脉节段能在一个重建时相得到有诊断价值的图像,多时相重建并不能显著提高图像质量。     

Causes of interscan variability of coronary artery calcium measurements at electron-beam CT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors performed this study to investigate the causes of interscan variability of coronary artery calcium measurements at electron-beam computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two sets of electron-beam CT scans were obtained in 298 consecutive patients who underwent electron-beam CT to screen for coronary artery calcium. Interscan variations of coronary artery calcium characteristics and the effects of heart rate, electrocardiographic (ECG) triggering method, image noise, and coronary motion on interscan variability were analyzed. RESULTS: The interscan mean variabilities were 21.6% (median, 11.7%) and 17.8% (median, 10.8%) with the Agatston and volumetric score, respectively (P < .01). Variability decreased with increasing calcification score (34.6% for a score of 11-50 and 9.4% for a score of 400-1,000, P < .0001). The absolute difference in Agatston score between scans was 44.1 +/- 95.6. The correlation coefficient between the first and second sets of scans was 0.99 (P < .0001). Lower interscan variability was found in younger patients (<60 years), patients with stable heart rates (heart rate changing less than 10 beats per minute during scanning), patients with no visible coronary motion, and those with an optimal ECG triggering method (P < .05 for all). Results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that changes in calcium volume, mean attenuation, and peak attenuation were significant predictors of interscan variability and caused the interscan variations of the coronary artery calcium measurements (r2 = 0.83, P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Coronary calcification at electron-beam CT varies from scan to scan. Volumetric scoring and optimal ECG triggering should be used to reduce interscan variability. Baseline calcium score and interscan variability must be considered in the evaluation of calcium progression.