双源CT自适应前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉造影:与传统冠状动脉造影对照

目的 评价双源CT(DSCT)自适应前瞻性心电门控CT冠状动脉成像(CTCA)对冠状动脉病变诊断的准确性和可行性.资料与方法选取同期行自适应前瞻性心电门控CTCA(扫描前心率低于75次/min)和传统冠状动脉造影(CAG)的30例连续患者作为研究对象.另选取同期行回顾性心电门控CTCA和CAG的45例连续患者作为对照.由两名CT医师和两名造影医师分别对CTCA和CAG图像进行评估.记录CTCA的图像质量和X线剂量.比较自适应前瞻性和回顾性心电门控CTCA的诊断准确性、X线剂量和图像质量.结果 对患者冠状动脉病变的诊断,自适应前瞻性和回顾性心电门控CTCA的差异无统计学意义,其敏感性分别为100%、97.4%(P=0.86),特异性分别为66.7%、100%(P=0.65);对分支冠状动脉病变的诊断,两者差异也无统计学意义,其敏感性分别为95.9%、91.1%(P=0.46),特异性分别为97.2%、97.0%(P=0.85);对节段冠状动脉病变的诊断,两者差异同样无统计学意义,其敏感性分别为90.5%、91.2%(P=0.92),特异性分别为98.4%、99.3%(P=0.35).自适应前瞻性心电门控CTCA的冠状动脉图像质量与回顾性心电门控CTCA类似(3.3±0.5与3.2±0.3;P:0.23).与回顾性心电门控CTCA比较,自适应前瞻性心电门控CTCA能降低71%的X线剂量[(3.1±1.3)mSv与(10.8±4.6)mSv,P＜0.01].结论 在心率低于75次/min、心律稳定的情况下,DSCT自适应前瞻性心电门控CTCA能获得与DSCT回顾性心电门控CTCA相同的诊断准确性,图像质量也无差别,而X线剂量却大大降低.     

双源CT心脏“一站式”检查低剂量扫描方案在低心率患者中的应用

目的 探讨双源CT(dual-source CT,DSCT)前瞻性心电门控“一站式”低剂量扫描方案在低心率患者冠状动脉成像及左心室功能分析中的应用价值.方法 33例临床怀疑或确诊为冠心病的患者1周内同时行冠状动脉DSCT和超声心动图检查.入组条件:心律规则且心率≤70次/分.DSCT采用管电流调制,前瞻性心电触发序列扫描,扫描窗宽为30％～ 80％ R-R间期,全电流采集时相为70％ R-R间期,其余时相使用全电流的20％.冠状动脉依据美国心脏学会冠状动脉16分段法,图像质量用4级法进行评估,1～3级图像为可评估,能用于影像诊断,4级为不可评估.采用手动矫正Simpson法计算DSCT所测得的左心室射血分数(LVEF),并以超声心动图测得的LVEF值为对照进行配对t检验和Pearson相关性检验.结果 30例患者顺利完成检查及左心室功能分析,1例心脏扫描失败,2例左心室功能分析失败.平均辐射剂量为(3.08±0.40) mSv.共评价冠状动脉409段,其中可用于诊断的节段占96.82％.双侧配对t检验结果显示DSCT与超声心动图测得的LVEF值差别无统计学意义(P=0.14),且有很高的相关性(r=0.74).结论 DSCT前瞻性心电触发序列扫描低剂量“一站式”心脏检查方法可以用于低心率患者的冠状动脉成像和左心室功能分析.冠状动脉图像质量较好,左心室功能分析结果可靠,平均辐射剂量较低.     

前瞻性心电门控扫描在冠脉支架随访中的应用

目的探讨前瞻性心电门控扫描在冠状动脉支架随访中的可行性。方法 77例冠状动脉支架植入术后患者行冠状动脉CT血管成像检查,按照心率不同分为两组,分别采用回顾性心电门控及前瞻性心电门控扫描。比较两组图像支架内及支架近端的CT值、噪声、信噪比(SNR)、支架内CT值净增比(SAIR)、图像质量主观评分及辐射剂量。定量数据表示为平均数±标准差。结果回顾性心电门控组的心率快于前瞻性心电门控组(P 0. 05)。两组图像支架内及支架近端的CT值、噪声、信噪比(SNR)、支架内CT值净增比(SAIR)以及图像质量主观评分差异均无统计学意义(P0. 05)。前瞻性心电门控组辐射剂量显著降低,平均有效辐射剂量为(2. 40±0. 99) m Sv,组间差异具有统计学意义(P 0. 05)。结论对于冠脉支架植入术后的患者,前瞻性心电门控扫描方案在降低辐射剂量的同时,可获得满意的图像质量。     

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.     

64层CT冠状动脉成像最佳重建时间窗的探讨

目的 :探讨不同心率及不同重建时相对64层CT冠状动脉血管成像图像质量的影响。方法:收集90例临床疑诊冠心病患者的冠状动脉CTA检查资料。按扫描时平均心率分组,对心动周期的R-R相位30%~90%间期,每间隔5%重建后进行血管分析及评分,获得回顾性心电门控最佳重建时相,并评价不同心率时的图像质量。结果:冠状动脉图像质量随心率增加而降低,两者呈负相关。心率70次/min时,冠状动脉最佳重建时间窗为R-R间期的70%~75%;心率70~79次/min时,冠状动脉最佳重建时相为R-R间期的60%~70%;心率80次/min时,冠状动脉最佳重建时相为R-R间期的40%~50%。左前降支在70%和75%R-R重建时相显示最佳,左回旋支在70%R-R时相显示最佳,而右冠状动脉在50%R-R时相显示最佳。结论 :选择最佳重建时相、合理控制心率能够减轻运动伪影,明显提高冠状动脉成像质量,其中准确选择回顾性心电门控最佳重建时相是保证图像质量、准确诊断的重要因素。     

双源CT冠状动脉血管成像检查不同心率对心电门控方法选择的影响

目的探讨不同心率选择不同的心电门控,以达到最佳的图像质量和最小的射线剂量。方法对100例不同心率临床怀疑冠心病或冠状动脉早期病变患者进行不同的心电门控扫描,用双源CT冠状动脉成像扫描图像行多平面重组(MPR)、最大密度投影(MIP)、容积再现技术(VRT)重组及Circulation软件分析。将图像质量分为3级,按冠状动脉分段标准评价各个节段的图像质量。结果根据不同心率采用不同的心电门控,尽可能使冠状动脉显示良好的重建方法,用前瞻性心电门控扫描的则直接重建,评价1 000个冠状动脉节段,其中图像质量为1级占73.3%(733/1 000),2级占14.2%(142/1 000),3级者占12.5%(125/1 000);图像质量为2级和3级的节段多由选择了不合适的心电门控方法所致。结论心率在70次以下用前瞻性心电门控图像质量较好,辐射剂量低;心率在70~100次之间用选择性回顾性心电门控(R-R间期70%～80%)方法图像质量较好,辐射剂量超过用前瞻性心电门控方法;心率超过100次最好用回顾性心电门控图像质量较好,但辐射剂量最大,但图像质量好,检查不容易失败。     

64排螺旋CT冠状动脉成像的前瞻性与回顾性心电门控技术的图像质量及辐射剂量的比较研究

目的 研究前瞻性心电门控触发(prospective ECG-triggering)与回顾性心电门控(retrosp-ective ECG gating)两种技术方法行冠状动脉CTA检查时,对冠状动脉图像质量及辐射剂量的比较.方法 33名疑似冠状动脉疾病的患者分两组进行对比研究.前瞻组16例为前瞻性心电门控成像,心率小于65次/min;回顾组17例为回顾性心电门控成像,心率小于75次/min.记录两组的辐射剂量并统计分析,同时进行图像质量评价.结果 两组图像质量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05).前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 234.4 mGy·cm,占回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 974.4 mGy·cm的24.1%.前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的患者的平均有效剂量为3.2 mSy,回顾心电门控冠状动脉CTA患者的为13.6 mSv,降低76.47%.结论 64排螺旋CT在前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA与回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA比较可以获得相似的图像质量,可大幅降低患者的有效剂量对于不能接受高辐射剂量且心率较低的受检人群具有重要的临床价值.     

64排螺旋CT冠状动脉成像的前瞻性与回顾性心电门控技术的图像质量及辐射剂量的比较研究

目的 研究前瞻性心电门控触发(prospective ECG-triggering)与回顾性心电门控(retrosp-ective ECG gating)两种技术方法行冠状动脉CTA检查时,对冠状动脉图像质量及辐射剂量的比较.方法 33名疑似冠状动脉疾病的患者分两组进行对比研究.前瞻组16例为前瞻性心电门控成像,心率小于65次/min;回顾组17例为回顾性心电门控成像,心率小于75次/min.记录两组的辐射剂量并统计分析,同时进行图像质量评价.结果 两组图像质量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05).前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 234.4 mGy·cm,占回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 974.4 mGy·cm的24.1%.前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的患者的平均有效剂量为3.2 mSy,回顾心电门控冠状动脉CTA患者的为13.6 mSv,降低76.47%.结论 64排螺旋CT在前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA与回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA比较可以获得相似的图像质量,可大幅降低患者的有效剂量对于不能接受高辐射剂量且心率较低的受检人群具有重要的临床价值.     

64排螺旋CT冠状动脉成像的前瞻性与回顾性心电门控技术的图像质量及辐射剂量的比较研究

目的 研究前瞻性心电门控触发(prospective ECG-triggering)与回顾性心电门控(retrosp-ective ECG gating)两种技术方法行冠状动脉CTA检查时,对冠状动脉图像质量及辐射剂量的比较.方法 33名疑似冠状动脉疾病的患者分两组进行对比研究.前瞻组16例为前瞻性心电门控成像,心率小于65次/min;回顾组17例为回顾性心电门控成像,心率小于75次/min.记录两组的辐射剂量并统计分析,同时进行图像质量评价.结果 两组图像质量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05).前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 234.4 mGy·cm,占回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 974.4 mGy·cm的24.1%.前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的患者的平均有效剂量为3.2 mSy,回顾心电门控冠状动脉CTA患者的为13.6 mSv,降低76.47%.结论 64排螺旋CT在前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA与回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA比较可以获得相似的图像质量,可大幅降低患者的有效剂量对于不能接受高辐射剂量且心率较低的受检人群具有重要的临床价值.     

64排螺旋CT冠状动脉成像的前瞻性与回顾性心电门控技术的图像质量及辐射剂量的比较研究

目的 研究前瞻性心电门控触发(prospective ECG-triggering)与回顾性心电门控(retrosp-ective ECG gating)两种技术方法行冠状动脉CTA检查时,对冠状动脉图像质量及辐射剂量的比较.方法 33名疑似冠状动脉疾病的患者分两组进行对比研究.前瞻组16例为前瞻性心电门控成像,心率小于65次/min;回顾组17例为回顾性心电门控成像,心率小于75次/min.记录两组的辐射剂量并统计分析,同时进行图像质量评价.结果 两组图像质量比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05).前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 234.4 mGy·cm,占回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的平均DLP 974.4 mGy·cm的24.1%.前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA的患者的平均有效剂量为3.2 mSy,回顾心电门控冠状动脉CTA患者的为13.6 mSv,降低76.47%.结论 64排螺旋CT在前瞻性心电门控冠状动脉CTA与回顾性心电门控冠状动脉CTA比较可以获得相似的图像质量,可大幅降低患者的有效剂量对于不能接受高辐射剂量且心率较低的受检人群具有重要的临床价值.     

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。     

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.     

双源CT在急性胸痛诊断和鉴别诊断中的临床价值

目的：探讨双源CT在急性胸痛诊断和鉴别诊断中的临床价值。方法：51例急性胸痛患者行双源CT心脏及胸部血管检查,对图像进行重组并进行诊断,其中36例患者双源CT结果并与血管造影结果进行对比较。结果：所有患者一次心脏和胸部血管双源CT检查即可快速获得清晰的冠状动脉、肺动脉、胸主动脉及胸部其他结构。双源CT诊断冠状动脉狭窄或闭塞26例,其中5例并发急性心肌梗死,1例合并有冠状动脉夹层;肺动脉栓塞7例,胸主动脉夹层、壁间血肿和动脉瘤分别为6例、2例和2例。冠状动脉及胸主动脉双源CT结果与血管造影结果具有良好的一致性。结论：双源CT可以同时清晰地显示心脏及胸部血管,是急性胸痛病因诊断和鉴别诊断的无创、快速、可靠的检查方法。     

多层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控肺重组的最佳时相研究

目的 评价多层螺旋CT回顾性重组肺影像的最佳R-R时相,探讨心电门控肺部扫描的可行性及合理的扫描方案. 资料与方法 对15例拟诊冠心病患者以相同参数行多层螺旋CT扫描后,利用回顾性心电门控重组10%、30%、45%、60%、75%、90% R-R 时相的横断面影像.范围包括自气管隆突至心尖的双侧肺,比较不同的R-R时相肺动脉层面、下肺静脉干层面、下肺基底段支气管开口层面、心尖层面影像,评价影像质量. 结果 各时相影像质量的综合评分差异有统计学意义(P<0.001).两两比较后发现75%时相与其他各组差异均有统计学意义(P<0.001).肺重组的最佳时相为75%的R-R时相. 结论 选择75%的R-R时相回顾性心电门控为最佳R-R时相重组肺可以最大限度地减轻心脏运动伪影对肺组织影像质量的影响,提高影像质量,在常规影像伪影较多时,可增加病变的信息量,减少假阳性的产生,提高诊断准确率.     

MSCT bei thorakalen Notfällen

With ongoing advances in multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) using ECG gating, differentiated examination protocols have become technically feasible. For acute chest pain assessment a strict triage of patients is indispensable, as the radiation dose is approximately 3 times higher for a dedicated protocol compared to a standard chest MDCT. Clinical requests considering pathologies of the pulmonary arteries, the aortic arch and the descending aorta can safely be answered with a standard CT data set. However, for the coronary arteries as well as for the ascending aorta, ECG synchronization of the data set is required. Initial reports regarding MDCT assessment for acute chest pain report a high negative predictive value. With the latest MDCT platforms available, medical preparation is no longer necessary with the exception of sublingual application of nitroglycerine. Dedicated contrast injection protocols, however, are necessary for simultaneous opacification of the pulmonary arteries as well as of the aorta and the coronary arteries. Further prospective studies will have to provide more evidence-based data for acute chest pain assessment with MDCT and will also have to outline the cost-effectiveness of this imaging technique.     

Electrocardiogram-independent image reconstruction in cardiac multidetector computed tomography using retrospective motion synchronization

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate an electrocardiogram (ECG)-independent image reconstruction technique for coronary computed tomography (CT)-angiography based on cardiac motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The raw data from 20 patients was reconstructed with both an ECG-gated algorithm and a motion-dependent algorithm that calculates the cardiac motion-function directly from the CT raw data using a center of mass technique. Images were reconstructed in 5% steps over the R-R interval and the cardiac motion-cycle. For both approaches multiplanar reformations were created and the set of images with the least motion artifacts was used for the evaluation. Motion artifacts affecting the ascending aorta, the left main coronary artery and the entire course of the LAD, LCX and RCA were scored using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: The mean optimal reconstruction window was at 60% of the R-R interval and 30% of the cardiac motion cycle. A total of 73 of 100 vascular regions showed no motion artifacts in ECG-gated images, with the motion-synchronized algorithm only 41 regions were free of motion artifacts. The mean motion-score was 1.4 (+/-0.6) and 2.4 (+/-1.2) respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the currently implemented form the motion-gated algorithm is inferior to ECG-gated image reconstruction but can be used in patients with an incomplete or corrupt ECG-signal.     

Noninvasive coronary angiography with 16-detector row CT: effect of heart rate

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of heart rate on the quality of coronary angiograms obtained with 16-detector row computed tomography (CT) by using temporally enhanced three-dimensional (3D) approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The local ethics committee approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Fifty patients underwent coronary CT angiography (heart rate range, 45-103 beats per minute). Raw data from helical CT and electrocardiography (ECG) were saved in a combined data set. Retrospectively ECG-gated images were reconstructed at preselected phases (50% and 80%) of the cardiac cycle. A 3D voxel-based approach with cardiac phase weighting was used for reconstruction. Testing for correlation between heart rate, cardiac phase reconstruction window, and image quality was performed with Kruskal-Wallis analysis. Image quality (freedom from cardiac motion-related artifacts) was referenced against findings at conventional angiography in a secondary evaluation step. Regression analysis was performed to calculate heart rate thresholds for future beta-blocker application. RESULTS: A significant negative correlation was observed between heart rate and image quality (r = 0.80, P < .001). Motion artifact-free images were available for 44 (88%) patients and were achieved consistently at a heart rate of 80 or fewer beats per minute (n = 39). Best image quality was achieved at 75 or fewer beats per minute. Segmental analysis revealed that 97% of arterial segments (diameter > or = 1.5 mm according to conventional angiography) were assessable at 80 or fewer beats per minute. Premature ventricular contractions and rate-contained arrhythmia did not impede diagnostic assessment of the coronary arteries in 10 (83%) of the 12 patients affected. CONCLUSION: Motion-free coronary angiograms can be obtained consistently with 16-detector row CT scanners and adaptive multicyclic reconstruction algorithms in patients with heart rates of less than 80 beats per minute.     

Electrocardiographically gated 16-section CT of the thorax: cardiac motion suppression

Thirty patients underwent 16-section multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) angiography of the thorax with retrospective electrocardiographic gating. Institutional review board approval was obtained for retrospective analysis of CT scan data and records; patient informed consent was not required. Images reconstructed at six different time points (0%, 20%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 80%) within the R-R interval on the electrocardiogram were analyzed by two radiologists for diagnostic quality, to identify suitable reconstruction intervals for optimal suppression of cardiac motion. Five regions of interest (left coronary artery, aortic root, ascending and descending aorta, pulmonary arteries) were evaluated. Best image quality was achieved by referencing image reconstruction to middiastole (50%-60%) for the left coronary artery, aortic root, and ascending aorta. The pulmonary arteries are best displayed during mid- to late diastole (80%).     

Dual-source-CT in der Diagnostik des Thoraxschmerzes

BACKGROUND: With the depiction of pulmonary arteries, coronary arteries, and the aorta, CT angiography of the chest offers a comprehensive diagnostic work-up of unclear chest pain. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of dual-source CT in this patient group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 patients suffering from unclear chest pain were examined with a Siemens Somatom Definition. Volume and flow of contrast media (Ultravist, Schering) were adapted to the body weight. The examinations were evaluated with regard to image quality and contrast opacification and to the diagnostic accuracy with reference to the final clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: Adequate contrast opacification was achieved in all examinations. The depiction of the coronary arteries was diagnostic in all cases. The cause of chest pain could be identified in 41 cases. Among the diagnoses were coronary and myocardial pathologies, valvular disease, aortic aneurysms and dissections, pulmonary embolism, and pneumonic consolidation. CONCLUSION: DSCT angiography of the chest offers a very good image quality even at high heart rates so that a high diagnostic accuracy is achieved in patients with acute chest pain.     

Thoracic aorta at multi-detector row CT: motion artifact with various reconstruction windows

The authors assessed motion artifact of the thoracic aorta in 25 patients who underwent multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) with retrospective electrocardiographic (ECG) gating. CT reconstructions centered at four phases of diastole were compared for five different levels of the thoracic aorta. A significant positive correlation was observed between heart rate and motion artifact (r = 0.72, P <.001). The optimal reconstruction phase varied between patients, and this was directly related to heart rate. For patients with a heart rate of 70 beats per minute, the reconstruction phase centered at 75% of the R-R interval had the significantly least motion artifact (P =.004). Conversely, the optimal reconstruction phase for patients with heart rates above 70 beats per minute was centered at 50% of the R-R interval (P =.09).