Visualization of anomalous coronary arteries on dual-source computed tomography

The purpose of this study is to assess the capability of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) in evaluating coronary artery anomalies. Early detection and evaluation of coronary artery anomalies is essential because of their potential association with myocardial ischemia and sudden death. In 16 patients (12 men, mean age 50 ± 14 years), anomalous coronary arteries were detected on contrast-enhanced DSCT in a patient cohort of 230 individuals (incidence of 7%). Six different types of anomalies were diagnosed (three fistula, four anomalies of the circumflex artery, four anomalous right coronary arteries, three anomalies of the left coronary artery, one absent left main coronary artery, and one left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary trunk). Of the 16 patients, 10 also underwent conventional coronary angiography (CAG). Retrospective evaluation of the CAGs by an experienced interventional cardiologist resulted in a precise diagnosis in 50% of patients. With DSCT, sufficient image quality and exact visualization of the aberrant anatomy were achieved in all patients. Therefore, DSCT seems to be an accurate diagnostic tool for examining the precise origin, course, and shape of aberrant coronary arteries.     

多层螺旋CT对先天性右冠状动脉起始变异的评价

目的 以常规X线冠状动脉造影（CAG）为标准，评价16层螺旋CT在鉴别右冠状动脉（RCA）异常起源和异常行程中的价值。方法 回顾性分析8例先天性RCA变异患者的多层螺旋CT造影（MSCTA）表现，其中7例有CAG资料。对比分析两者在显示RCA异位开口和异常行程方面的差异。仿真内镜技术用于评价异位开口及其与邻近正常冠状动脉开口的关系。采用多平面重组（MPR）、曲面多平面重组（CMPR）、最大密度投影（MIP）、容积成像（VR）重组方法评价冠状动脉的异常行径及其与邻近大血管的关系。CAG所显示的RCA，至少有2个不同的视角用于评价其起源和行程。结果 8例患者变异的RCA全部为MSCTA所显示。其中6例患者的RCA起源于左冠状动脉窦，1例起源于左主冠状动脉的末端，另1例则起源于扩大前移的后冠窦。所有异常开口均未见狭窄。8支异常冠状动脉均穿过主动脉根部和肺动脉或右室流出道的司隙。7例CAG则仅5例显示异常。结论 MSCTA显示先天性变异的RCA明显优于CAG，凡疑为冠状动脉变异的患者，可首选非创伤性的16层MSCTA检查。     

多层螺旋CT和三维屏气MR冠状动脉成像的对比研究

目的比较16层螺旋CT（16 multi-detector CT,16-MDCT）冠状动脉血管造影（CTA）和三维屏气冠状动脉MR血管造影（MRA）的图像质量以及诊断冠状动脉显著性狭窄（＞50%）的准确性.方法40例疑有冠心病患者在3 d内均行冠状动脉CTA和MRA检查,其中31例患者在2周内行冠状动脉造影检查.将冠状动脉分成9个节段（右冠状动脉近、中、远段,左冠状动脉主干,前降支近、中、远段和旋支近、远段）,由2名影像科医生共同对各个节段的图像质量按0～4级评分,比较CTA和MRA上各个节段的图像质量.以冠状动脉造影为标准,计算并比较CTA和MRA诊断31例冠状动脉显著性狭窄（＞50%）各项准确性指标.结果CTA在右冠状动脉中段的图像质量低于MRA,右冠状动脉近段二者无区别,其他节段均优于MRA.冠状动脉造影显示31例患者共有43个节段狭窄＞50%,CTA和MRA分别正确诊断出36和27个,其敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值和阴性预测值分别为83%、84%、49%、97%和63%、90%、55%、93%.结论除右冠状动脉中段,CTA大部分节段的图像质量优于MRA.CTA诊断冠状动脉显著性狭窄的敏感性高于MRA,但特异性低于MRA.冠状动脉CTA和MRA均表现了较高的阴性预测值,对排除冠状动脉狭窄具有临床价值.     

64 Slice multi-detector row cardiac CT

Cardiac imaging is feasible with multi-detector row (MDCT) scanners. Coronary arterial anatomy and both non-calcified and calcified plaques are depicted at CT coronary angiography. Vessel wall pathology and luminal diameter are depicted, and secondary myocardial changes may also be seen. Diagnostic capacity has increased with technological advancement, and preliminary investigations confirm the utility of 64-MDCT in low- and intermediate-risk patients who present to the emergency department with acute chest pain. The clinical indications, 64-MDCT technique, and MDCT findings in coronary artery disease are reviewed.     

Congenital anomalies of coronary arteries: Diagnosis with 64 slice multidetector CT

Objective

Congenital coronary artery anomalies are generally incidental, uncommon and asymptomatic. Some can cause severe potentially life threatening symptoms. The common mode of studying the coronary arteries is Conventional Coronary Angiogram. ECG-gated-multidetector CT is a non invasive modality. The objective of our study was to identify rare congenital coronary artery anomalies and discuss their clinical significance.

Material and methods

A total number of 900 MDCT coronary angiograms were carried out at our institution between the period of April 2006 and October 2010. Patients with coronary artery anomaly constituted the subject of study.

Results

The incidence of anomalous anatomical origin and course of the coronary arteries in our study was 1.55%. Hemodynamical significance was seen in five patients. 3 cases of single coronary artery originating from right coronary sinus were seen. 1 case of anomalous left coronary artery arising from main pulmonary artery was seen. 4 cases of anomalous RCA arising from left aortic cusp, 6 cases of absent LMCA with separate origin of LAD and LCX were seen.

Conclusion

Multidetector row CT is a noninvasive modality in cardiac imaging. It provides superior resolution of coronary tree and its variant. No projectional vascular overlap is seen. Various postprocessing techniques outclass catheter angiography imaging. Definition of ostia and proximal course of the coronary arteries by Multidetector CT is better than catheter angiography.     

MDCT coronary angiography for diagnosis of anomalous origin right coronary artery: a case report

This is a case report of anomalous origin of the right coronary artery, which arises from the left sinus of Valsalva depicted with multi-detector row tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography performed in emergency. In symptomatic patient, this anomalous origin is considered a malignant anomaly and needs urgent surgical treatment. Some studies demonstrated that MDCT is a reliable non-invasive technique to identify and define anomalous coronary arteries (ACAs) and their course.     

64层螺旋CT诊断成人冠状动脉起源异常

目的 探讨64层螺旋CT诊断成人冠状动脉起源异常的价值。方法 对978例成人冠状动脉CT血管成像（CTA）资料进行回顾性分析、总结，并与国内外文献比较。结果 978例完整冠状动脉CTA结果中，共检出成人冠状动脉起源异常30例，检出率为3．07％，包括右冠状动脉起源异常9例（30．00％），左冠状动脉起源异常7例（23.33％），左、右冠状动脉均起源异常2例（6.67％），回旋支缺如1例（3.33％）和冠状动脉其他分支起源异常11例（36．67％）。结论 64层螺旋CT诊断成人冠状动脉起源异常是一种无创、安全和有效的方法。     

Malignant right coronary artery anomaly simulated by motion artifacts on MDCT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence of anomalous right coronary artery imitation due to motion artifacts in MDCT. Routine chest MDCT for reasons other than cardiac or vascular imaging is usually performed using breath-hold technique but without retrospective ECG gating and consequently yields pulsating motion artifacts. A possible artifact in front of the aortic root imitates an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the left posterior sinus. This course of the right coronary artery is considered a malignant variant and raises the question of far-reaching consequences such as a bypass operation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective study involving 355 patients undergoing routine chest CT examinations. To determine the prevalence of anomalous right coronary artery imitation caused by this motion artifact, all images were evaluated prospectively by an experienced radiologist. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (5.9%) were suspected of having a malignant variant of the right coronary artery. However, in all patients prior chest CT or additional coronary MR angiography showed a normal origin of the right coronary artery. CONCLUSION: Routine chest MDCT without retrospective ECG gating may produce artifacts around the aorta simulating a malignant variant of the right coronary artery. Considering the low incidence of this malignant interarterial variant, the need for routine chest CT examinations combined with ECG gating and further workup can be disputed from an economic point of view. This artifact should be known to avoid unnecessary further examinations.     

Cardiac CT: coronary arteries and beyond

Multi-detector-row computed tomography (MDCT) has emerged as a rapidly developing method for non-invasive imaging of the heart. An understanding of ECG synchronization, contrast material administration, patient preparation and image post-processing is needed to optimize image quality. The basic technical principles and essentials of these technical basics are described here. Correctly applied cardiac MDCT allows imaging of the coronary arteries including coronary anatomy and stenosis detection. The same is true for evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafts and, to some extent, coronary artery stents. While quantification of total calcified plaque burden has been long established, coronary MDCT allows assessing plaque morphology and constitution. Recent approaches go beyond the coronaries and include evaluation of left ventricular function at rest and myocardial viability. In combination with experimental approaches for assessing aortic valve function and myocardial perfusion imaging, cardiac MDCT offers the potential for a comprehensive examination of the heart using a single breath-hold examination.     

致猝死的冠状动脉起源异常及其临床意义

目的 了解起自对侧冠状动脉窦并可能引发青少年运动员猝死的冠状动脉畸形在国人中的发病率,结合文献资料比较其影像学特点和临床意义.方法 应用PACS系统顺序回顾14 343例不伴有其他心脏大血管畸形的国人CT冠状动脉成像所见,选取左、右冠状动脉起自对侧冠状动脉窦及左、右单冠状动脉的病例,对冠状动脉开口位置、走行路径、非粥样硬化狭窄截面形态、径线、狭窄程度及冠状动脉近段与主动脉壁夹角进行分析统计.结果 检出冠状动脉发自对侧冠状动脉窦(包括单冠状动脉)74例,其近段走行于主、肺动脉之间者59例.右冠状动脉起自左冠状动脉窦且走行于主、肺动脉之间55例,左冠状动脉起自右冠状动脉窦且走行于主、肺动脉间2例,左、右单冠状动脉且走行于大动脉间者各1例.国人此类冠状动脉近段走行于两大动脉之间的起源异常发病率为4.1‰(59/14 343).右冠状动脉起自左冠状动脉窦,起始段常伴非粥样硬化性狭窄,狭窄面积≥50%者29例(52.7%),≥70%者3例(5.4%).近段走行于主、肺动脉之间的右冠状动脉起自左窦是左冠状动脉起自右窦的18.7倍(56/3).结论 CT冠状动脉成像是诊断冠状动脉起源异常的最佳影像学手段.国人中该畸形的解剖类型分布有其特点,这一特点对引发我国青少年运动性猝死的影响值得探讨.     

左冠状动脉异常起源于肺动脉的影像学诊断

目的评价影像学对左冠状动脉起源于肺动脉的诊断价值。资料与方法回顾性分析1995至2004年的3例经手术治疗患者,全部行心血管造影及彩色多普勒超声心动图检查,2例行MRA检查。结果心血管造影（逆行主动脉造影2例,选择性右冠状动脉造影1例）均显示良好,并明确诊断。彩色多普勒超声心动图,1例明确诊断,2例误诊为右冠状动脉-右心室瘘。MRA1例显示良好,另1例未能清晰显示。结论左冠状动脉起源于肺动脉罕见,心血管造影仍然是诊断的金标准,但MRA及彩色多普勒超声心动图是有用的非创伤性的诊断方法。     

64排容积CT对成人冠状动脉起源异常的诊断价值

 目的 探讨64排容积CT对成人冠状动脉起源异常的诊断价值.方法 回顾分析3 030例成人冠状动脉CTA检查资料. 结果 3 030例冠脉CTA中,检查出冠状动脉起源异常70例,检出率为2.3%,其中冠状动脉起源于对侧冠状窦及窦外27例(38.5%);冠状动脉高位开口23例(32.8%);前降支、回旋支均开口于左冠状窦17例(24.3%);单一冠脉2例(均为单一左冠,其中1例合并左主干高开口,2.8%),回旋支开口于对角支及窦房结支开口于右冠状窦各1例(1.4%).结论 64排容积CT诊断冠状动脉起源异常是一种无创、安全、准确、经济的检查方法 .     

128层CT冠状动脉成像对冠状动脉变异的诊断价值

目的:探讨128层CT对冠状动脉变异的诊断价值。方法:回顾性分析我院行冠状动脉CTA检查后发现的69例冠状动脉变异患者的图像,对所有图像分别行VR、MPR、MIP和CPR等,观察冠状动脉开口、起源、走行、分布及与周围血管的关系。结果:所有受检者中共发现存在冠状动脉变异69例(82处),右冠状动脉高位开口2例,其中起源变异共32例,走行异常42例,终止异常2例,发育不良或未发育6例。结论:128层CT冠状动脉成像可清晰显示冠状动脉起源、行程及终止的异常,从而为临床提供高质量的影像诊断。     

1879例成人非先天性心脏病患者双源CT检出的冠状动脉起源异常24例分析

目的：评价双源CT（DSCT）在成人非先天性心脏病患者冠状动脉起源异常检出中的价值。方法：回顾性分析2008年9月,2009年2月期间进行了DSCF冠状动脉检查的资料,总结成人非先天性心脏病患者冠状动脉起源异常的检出率。结果：1881例进行冠状动脉检查的患者中,共有1879例患者为非先天性心脏病患者,共检出了24例冠状动脉起源异常,检出率为1．3％。其中15例为右冠状动脉起源异常（12例起自左冠状窦,3例为高位起源）,8例为左冠状动脉起源异常（3例起自无冠状窦,回旋支起自左冠状窦、高位开口、回旋支起自右冠状动脉、左冠状动脉起自右冠状窦、单一冠状动脉各1例）,1例为左右冠状动脉均起源异常（均为高位开口）。结论：本组成人非先天性心脏病患者冠状动脉起源异常的检出率为1．3％。DSCT可很好地显示冠状动脉起源异常和走行,为临床决策提供重要信息。     

Congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries: imaging with contrast-enhanced, multidetector computed tomography

The objective of this study is to evaluate multidetector CT (MDCT) in detecting and characterizing anomalous coronary arteries. Forty-four patients with anomalies of the coronaries were selected from a total of 1758 individuals examined with ECG-gated 4- and 16-row MDCT including thinMIP, MPR and VRT post-processing. Twenty-eight patients showed origin and course anomalies of the central coronary segments, and in this subgroup 13 were judged as malignant because of interarterial courses between the aortic root and the pulmonary trunk, either of the right coronary artery (n=11) or the left coronary artery (n=2). Twelve non-hemodynamic anomalies were found, affecting the coronary origins only (n=10) or the peripheral vessels courses (n=2). Four arteriovenous fistulas were present, all of them with complex arterial feeders. Regardless of vessel anatomy, coronary opacification was always possible by means of the systemic contrast agent, and the aberrant coronary arteries were visualized synoptically in direct relation to the great mediastinal vessels. In contrast to MDCT, selective cannulation and final diagnosis was possible in only 11 of the 20 catheter angiograms performed (accuracy of 55.0%). In conclusion, its non-invasiveness and precise visualization makes MDCT the standard of reference for evaluating anomalous coronary arteries.     

Multidetector computed tomography-guided treatment strategy in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: a pilot study

Patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and evidence of myocardial ischaemia are scheduled for coronary angiography (CAG). In most patients CAG remains a single diagnostic procedure only. A prospective study was performed to evaluate whether 16-slice multidetector CT (MDCT) could predict treatment of the patients and to determine how many CAGs could have been prevented by MDCT scanning prior to CAG. Twenty-two patients with ACS were scanned prior to CAG. Based on MDCT data, a fictive treatment was proposed and compared to CAG-based treatment. Excellent accuracy was observed to detect significant stenoses using MDCT (sensitivity 94%, specificity 96%). In 45%, no PCI was performed during CAG, because of the absence of significant coronary artery disease (27%) or severe coronary artery disease, demanding CABG (18%). MDCT predicted correct treatment in 86%. By using MDCT data, 32% of the CAGs could have been prevented.     

Coronary MRA: use in assessing anomalies of coronary artery origin

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to describe the use of coronary MR angiography (MRA) in the clinical evaluation of a series of patients with anomalous origin of the coronary arteries suspected on coronary angiography. METHOD: Eight patients underwent coronary MRA to further define variant coronary anatomy that was found on coronary angiography. A 2D segmented k-space gradient echo sequence was used with breath-holding. MRA images were assessed for traversal of an anomalous artery between the aorta and pulmonary artery trunks, which carries the greatest clinical significance. RESULTS: Of six patients with anomalous origin of the right coronary artery on angiography, two were shown by MRA to have an interarterial course of the anomalous vessel. Neither of two left coronary arteries with ectopic origin coursed between the great arteries, although one passed through the septum. CONCLUSION: Coronary MRA is a useful adjunctive technique to angiography in the evaluation of the relationship of anomalous coronary arteries to the great arteries.     

Anomalous origin of the coronary arteries in children: diagnostic role of three-dimensional coronary MR angiography

When the anomalous origin of coronary arteries (AOCA) is suspected in children (especially athletes), due to signs and symptoms of myocardial ischemia or on the basis of echocardiographic assessment, three-dimensional coronary magnetic resonance angiography (3D-CMRA) can be proposed for the fine morphological evaluation of coronary branches anatomy and course.We tested the diagnostic potential of CMRA angiography in a prospective study on AOCA in young patients. Between July 2005 and June 2008, 15 patients aged 6–29 years (mean age, 13.5 years±5.6 S.D.; median, 14) with clinical and echocardiographic suspicion of AOCA underwent CMRA (1.5 T), 3D whole-heart, free-breathing technique, without the use of contrast medium and β-blockers, with a mean examination time of 30 min. We acquired a second scan of all patients to ameliorate the quality of the acquisition and to improve our experience.AOCA was confirmed by 3D-CMRA in 8 out of 15 cases (53%) and three different anatomical variants were demonstrated, that is, ectopic origin of the left circumflex artery arising from the right coronary artery with retro-aortic course in four cases, single coronary artery arising from the right sinus of Valsalva with interarterial course in one case, ectopic right coronary artery arising from the left sinus of Valsalva with interarterial course in one case; in two patients without anomalies of origin of the coronary arteries, elongated LMCA with angulation of the proximal segment of the left circumflex artery was present.When AOCA is suspected particularly in children (especially athletes), CMRA without the use of contrast medium is an effective diagnostic technique, which is useful to clarify the spatial position of the anomalous course of the main coronary branches in order to suggest the most convenient management of the disease. CMRA does not need contrast medium, needles, and β-blockers; is repeatable in the same examination without the exposure to X-rays; allows a parent to stay near the child; and needs low collaboration in low-stress conditions.     

Remarkable anatomic anomalies of coronary arteries and their clinical importance: a multidetector computed tomography angiographic study

OBJECTIVE: An anomalous origin and course of the coronary arteries can be benign or life threatening. Recently, because of new advances in computed tomography technology, radiologists have begun to interpret the diseases of coronary arteries. We aimed to demonstrate some remarkable anomalies of coronary arteries, some of which were not shown by multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography previously, and to discuss the clinical importance of these anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred twenty-five consequent patients referred to Florence Nightingale Hospital and Atatürk University Hospital for MDCT coronary angiography were included in this study. The patients were between the ages of 33 and 78 years (mean +/- SD, 59 +/- 13.86 years). Four hundred ninety-seven patients (68.6%) were men, and 228 (31.4%) were women. All the examinations were evaluated by both a radiologist and a cardiologist. RESULTS: The incidence of anomalous anatomical origin and course of the coronaries found in our study group was 5.79% (n = 42). The anomalies found in our study are absence of the right coronary artery (RCA; n = 1, 0.13%), ectopic origin of RCA from the left anterior descending (LAD) artery (n = 1, 0.13%), absence of the left main coronary artery (n = 4, 0.52%), ectopic origin of the left main coronary artery from the right sinus of Valsalva (n = 1, 0.13%), double LAD and ectopic origin of LAD from RCA (n = 1, 0.13%), ectopic origin of the left circumflex artery from the right sinus of Valsalva (n = 3, 0.39%), ectopic origin of the left circumflex artery from RCA (n = 2, 0.26%), and myocardial bridging (n = 29, 4%). CONCLUSIONS: An anomalous origin of the coronary anatomy must be present in the interpretations because of its importance for patients, cardiologists, and surgeons. As a conclusion, our study showed that MDCT, especially volume rendering and maximum intensity projection techniques, may be useful for assessment of complex variations, when the conventional angiography may not be sufficient.     

Coronary Events and Anatomy After Arterial Switch Operation for Transposition of the Great Arteries: Detection by 16-Row Multislice Computed Tomography Angiography in Pediatric Patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of multislice computed tomographic (MSCT) angiography as a noninvasive method for detecting ostial, proximal, and middle segment coronary stenosis or occlusion and anatomy in patients with transposition of the great arteries who had undergone arterial switch operation (ASO). Sixteen-detector-row MSCT angiography was performed in 16 patients treated with ASO for transposition of the great arteries. The median age was 10.3 years (range, 6.2–16.3 years). Sixteen-detector-row MSCT angiography was performed in 16 patients who had undergone ASO. CT imaging was performed in the craniocaudal direction from 2 cm above the carina up to the heart basis. Noninvasive assessment of coronary artery stenosis and anatomy were investigated by MSCT angiography. Two patients were excluded from the study because of artifacts. Of 14 evaluated patients, 1 patient had ostial stenosis (7.1%). A coronary artery anatomy variant was present in six patients: left main artery (LMA) and right coronary artery (RCA) originating from the right sinus as a single orifice (n = 2); left circumflex artery (LCX) originating from the RCA (n = 1); LMA and RCA, after branching to the LCX, originating separately from the right sinus (n = 1); and LMA (n = 1) and left anterior descending artery (LADA; n = 1) originating directly from the right sinus. Intramural bridging in the LAD (n = 2) was detected. Five patients were normal. In conclusion, MSCT angiography, as a noninvasive, feasible technique for assessing coronary stenosis or occlusion and anatomy, can be used in the follow-up of patients who have undergone ASO. This study was accepted as a poster presentation at ESPR 2008.