A retrospectively ECG-gated multislice spiral CT scan and reconstruction technique with suppression of heart pulsation artifacts for cardio-thoracic imaging with extended volume coverage

A method for cardio-thoracic multislice spiral CT imaging with ECG gating for suppression of heart pulsation artifacts is introduced. The proposed technique offers extended volume coverage compared with standard ECG-gated spiral scan and reconstruction approaches for cardiac applications: Thin-slice data of the entire thorax can be acquired within one breath-hold period using a four-slice CT system. The extended volume coverage is enabled by a modified approach for ECG-gated image reconstruction. For a CT system with 0.5-s gantry rotation time, images are reconstructed with 250-ms image temporal resolution. Instead of selecting scan data acquired in exactly the same phase of the cardiac cycle for each image as in standard ECG-gated reconstruction techniques, the patient's ECG signal is used to omit scan data acquired during the systolic phase of highest cardiac motion. With this approach cardiac pulsation artifacts in CT studies of the aorta, of paracardiac lung segments, and of coronary bypass grafts can be effectively reduced.     

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.     

重组相位窗对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响

目的:探讨不同重组相位窗对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的影响。方法:对28例健康体检者采用回顾性心电门控的16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像,将其扫描原始数据分别按45%、55%、65%、70%、75%、85%R-R间期的不同相位的横断面进行重组。结果:左主干在6个R-R时相均显示良好;左前降支在70%R-R时相的重组图像质量最佳;左回旋支及右冠状动脉在75%R-R时相的重组图像质量最佳,整体图像在75%R-R时相的重组图像质量最佳。结论:重组相位窗对多层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量有重要影响作用。     

Noninvasive visualization of coronary arteries using contrast-enhanced multidetector CT: influence of heart rate on image quality and stenosis detection

OBJECTIVE: Although multidetector CT (MDCT) with retrospectively ECG-gated image reconstruction has been shown to permit noninvasive visualization of the coronary arteries, the 125-250 msec required for image acquisition frequently causes motion artifacts. We investigated the influence of a patient's heart rate on the presence of motion artifacts and on accuracy of stenosis detection on contrast-enhanced MDCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 100 patients, MDCT was performed, and ECG-gated cross-sectional images were retrospectively reconstructed. From the 10 data sets obtained for each patient (reconstructed at 0-90% of the cardiac cycle in increments of 10%), we chose the best data set for every coronary artery. The images of the arteries were evaluated for occurrence of artifacts and the presence of high-grade stenosis (diameter reduction exceeding 70%) or occlusions. MDCT results were compared with coronary angiographic findings. RESULTS: Of the 400 coronary arteries, 115 (29%) could not be evaluated because of motion artifacts (n = 84) or other reasons (n = 31). Overall, 51 (49%) of 104 stenoses were revealed on MDCT. For detecting stenosis in those arteries that we could evaluate, MDCT had a sensitivity of 91% (51 of 56 stenoses detected) and a specificity of 89%. As the heart rate increased, the number of arteries that could be evaluated decreased, and overall sensitivity for stenosis detection decreased from 62% (heart rate < or = 70 beats per minute) to 33% (heart rate > 70 beats per minute). CONCLUSION: MDCT can reveal coronary stenoses, but the usefulness of MDCT as an aid in accurately evaluating stenoses decreases as a patient's heart rate increases.     

心率波动对16层CT冠脉成像图像质量的影响及对策(心脏体模模拟实验)

目的 研究心率波动对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的影响及心率波动情况下最佳扫描条件.方法 采用GE Light-Speed 16层螺旋CT,以心脏冠脉扫描模式对心脏体模进行扫描.心率设置为以60次/min、85次/min为中心上下波动2组,每组分别设置波幅为2.5次/min、5次/min和10次/min各3小组,分别对6组心率波动情况下的心脏体模以心脏冠脉扫描模式进行扫描,所有扫描数据在R-R间期5%、15%、25%、35%、45%、55%、65%、75%、85%、95%相位分别进行单扇区(Segment)、双扇区(Burst-2)和四扇区重建(Burst-4).重建数据传至AW4.1工作站后处理成像.后处理方法采用容积再现(VR)、多平面重组(MPR)模式.由1名高年资医师和1名技师分别对不同重组图像进行评分.统计学处理采用析因分析.结果 (1)方差分析显示,总模型具有显著意义(F=22.58,P《0.0001),各变量(心率、波幅、算法和相位)具有显著意义,均对冠状动脉成像质量有影响;(2)不同心率之间比较心率为60次/min者图像质量评分均数显著高于心率为85次/min者(P《0.05);(3)不同波动范围之间比较波幅为2.5次/min和5次/min者,图像质量评分均数高于波幅为10次/min者(P《0.05),但波幅为2.5次/min和5次/min无显著差异(P》0.05);(4)不同重建算法之间比较算法为Burst-4和Burst-2者图像质量评分均数显著高于算法为Segment(P《0.05),但Burst-4和Burst-2之间无显著差异(P》0.05);(5)不同相位之间比较相位为45%,95%显著高于其他相位(P《0.05),但上述二者相位之间无显著差异(P》0.05).相位为15%者,图像质量最差.结论 新型心脏动态体模评价心率波动对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像质量的影响及心率波动情况下最佳扫描条件分析,能够为临床应用和基础研究提供帮助.     

心率对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响

目的:评价心率对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响.方法:采用GE Light speed 64层螺旋VCT,以心脏扫描模式对心脏动态体模进行扫描.心脏动态体模由3个部分组成:动力部分、解剖结构模拟部分和控制部分.心脏动态体模的心率设置为40、45、50、55、60、65、70、75、80、85、90、95、100、105、110和115次/min,心律齐.以球管转速0.35 s对不同心率下的心脏动态体模进行冠状动脉成像扫描.所有扫描数据在R-R间期90%时相分别进行单扇区和多扇区重建.重建数据传至工作站后处理成像.后处理方法采用VR、MPR重组模式.分别对重建图像进行评分.结果:①心率与图像质量呈负相关(P＜0.01);随着心率的增加,图像质量评分呈下降趋势;②在同一条件下多扇区重建算法较单扇区重建算法提高了图像质量评分.结论:采用心脏动态体模评价心率对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响,对临床研究和应用有着重要价值.     

Optimal image reconstruction intervals for non-invasive coronary angiography with 64-slice CT

The reconstruction intervals providing best image quality for non-invasive coronary angiography with 64-slice computed tomography (CT) were evaluated. Contrast-enhanced, retrospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-gated 64-slice CT coronary angiography was performed in 80 patients (47 male, 33 female; mean age 62.1±10.6 years). Thirteen data sets were reconstructed in 5% increments from 20 to 80% of the R-R interval. Depending on the average heart rate during scanning, patients were grouped as <65 bpm (n=49) and ≥65 bpm (n=31). Two blinded and independent readers assessed the image quality of each coronary segment with a diameter ≥1.5 mm using the following scores: 1, no motion artifacts; 2, minor artifacts; 3, moderate artifacts; 4, severe artifacts; and 5, not evaluative. The average heart rate was 63.3±13.1 bpm (range 38–102). Acceptable image quality (scores 1–3) was achieved in 99.1% of all coronary segments (1,162/1,172; mean image quality score 1.55±0.77) in the best reconstruction interval. Best image quality was found at 60% and 65% of the R-R interval for all patients and for each heart rate subgroup, whereas motion artifacts occurred significantly more often (P<0.01) at other reconstruction intervals. At heart rates <65 bpm, acceptable image quality was found in all coronary segments at 60%. At heart rates ≥65 bpm, the whole coronary artery tree could be visualized with acceptable image quality in 87% (27/31) of the patients at 60%, while ten segments in four patients were rated as non-diagnostic (scores 4–5) at any reconstruction interval. In conclusion, 64-slice CT coronary angiography provides best overall image quality in mid-diastole. At heart rates <65 bpm, diagnostic image quality of all coronary segments can be obtained at a single reconstruction interval of 60%.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉图像质量控制研究:最佳重组时相与心率关系

目的量化评估64层螺旋CT冠状动脉各分支不同重组时相图像质量,探讨冠状动脉CT成像最佳重组时相与心率关系。资料与方法102例患者均采用64层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控冠状动脉成像,男68例,女34例,平均年龄(58.1±9.7)岁,平均心率(66.4±11.5)次/min。心率<65次/min(n=43)为Ⅰ组,65～75次/min(n=34)为Ⅱ组,>75次/min(n=25)为Ⅲ组,每例患者的4支冠状动脉(左主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)共分为12个节段用于图像质量分析。扫描原始数据以间隔5%在20%～80%时相分别回顾性重组冠状动脉图像,采用横断位、曲面重组、容积再现等方法对图像质量综合评分。结果Ⅰ组60%、65%和70%为最佳时相,Ⅱ组60%、65%时相为最佳时相,Ⅲ组右冠状动脉较优时相为35%、40%,左冠状动脉较优时相为60%、65%。结论心率和重组时相的选择是决定冠状动脉图像质量的重要因素。平均心率≤75次/min,冠状动脉各分支图像质量在心脏运动的舒张中期(60%、65%)最佳;>75次/min时,左右冠状动脉分别进行重组能明显提高冠状动脉的成像质量。     

Evaluation of the optimal image reconstruction interval for coronary artery imaging using 64-slice computed tomography

BACKGROUND: Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an established complement in cardiac imaging. Thus, optimized image quality is diagnostically crucial. PURPOSE: To prospectively evaluate whether, by using 64-slice CT, a specific reconstruction interval can be identified providing best image quality for all coronary artery segments and each individual coronary artery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 311 coronary segments of 14 men and seven women were analyzed using 64-slice CT. Data reconstruction was performed in 5% increments from 5-100% of the R-R interval. Four experienced observers independently evaluated image quality of the coronary arteries according to the AHA classification. A three-point ranking scale was applied: 1, very poor, no evaluation possible; 2, diagnostically sufficient quality; 3, highest image quality, no artifacts. RESULTS: The best reconstruction point for all segments was found to be 65% of the R-R interval (mean value 2.4+/-0.5; P<0.05). On a per-artery basis, best image quality was again achieved at 65% of the R-R interval: RCA 2.2+/-0.4, LCA 2.4+/-0.5, LM 2.5+/-0.2, LAD 2.3+/-0.4, LCX 2.3+/-0.5. CONCLUSION: By using 64-slice CT, the need for adjusting the reconstruction point to each coronary segment might be overcome. Best image quality was achieved with image reconstruction at 65% of the R-R interval for all coronary segments as well as each coronary artery.     

Image quality of volume rendering of the bronchial tree: Kymogram-gated versus retrospectively ECG-gated and non-gated multi-row detector CT

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the image quality of three different heart-cycle-synchronized computed tomography (CT) reconstruction algorithms for volume-rendered (VR) 3D visualization of the bronchial tree. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kymogram-gated, retrospectively ECG-gated, and non-ECG-gated reconstructions of the bronchial tree were performed from 4-detector-row CT data in 10 subjects. The raw data were reconstructed in 10 phases of the cardiac cycle using ECG-gated and kymogram-gated technique, respectively. For both reconstructions, the optimal artifact-free diastolic phase was determined. VR reconstructions of the bronchial tree were generated from these two data sets and from the non-gated data. Stairstep artifacts of the main bronchi, artifacts in the lung parenchyma, and the extent of bronchial tree visualization were rated by two blinded, independent readers. RESULTS: Kymogram-gated reconstruction showed stairstep artifacts in the main bronchi to the same extent as non-gated reconstruction, but less compared to ECG-gated reconstruction (P < .001). Artifacts in the lung parenchyma were similar with kymogram-gated and non-gated reconstruction, but less compared to ECG-gated reconstruction (P < 0.01). Kymogram-gated reconstruction showed no differences in visualization of segmental and subsegmental bronchi compared to ECG-gated reconstruction, but was inferior to the non-gated reconstruction (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Kymogram-gated reconstruction of CT data results in fewer artifacts when compared to the ECG-gated algorithm. Best visualization of the bronchial tree at a low artifact level is obtained with non-gated CT data. It remains therefore the method of choice for VR 3D data post-processing of the bronchial tree.     

低心率下第二代双源CT冠脉成像Flash扫描与序列扫描图像质量及伪影比较

目的:比较低心率下CT前瞻性心电触发Flash扫描与序列扫描的冠状动脉图像质量及伪影。方法:回顾性连续收集Flash扫描(A组)与序列扫描(B组)冠状动脉CT成像各80例患者,心率均≤70次/min。4级法评价2组图像质量,初步分析伪影特点及成因。结果:A、B 2组可评价冠状动脉节段为98.37%和99.29%,差异无统计学意义(χ2=3.56,P=0.094);可评价患者为85.00%和96.25%,差异有统计学意义(χ2=4.708,P=0.035);平均节段质量评分为(1.295±0.60)分和(1.21±0.59)分,差异有统计学意义(Z=-2.591,P=0.010)。A组的4级图像大部分分布于右冠中远段,多数出现在心率大于65次/min的患者中,均为心脏搏动伪影。B组4级图像散在分布于冠脉各段中,为呼吸及心脏搏动伪影。A组辐射剂量明显低于B组,差异有统计学意义。结论:低心率下Flash与序列扫描均可获得高质量冠状动脉图像,序列扫描略优于Flash扫描;Flash扫描右冠状动脉中远段出现心脏搏动伪影概率大,序列扫描易产生呼吸及心律不齐所致伪影。     

ECG-gated reconstructed multi-detector row CT coronary angiography: effect of varying trigger delay on image quality

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of electrocardiographically (ECG)-gated retrospective image reconstruction for multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography in reducing cardiac motion artifacts and to evaluate the influence of heart rate on cardiac image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients with different heart rates underwent coronary CT angiography. Raw helical CT data and ECG tracings were combined to retrospectively reconstruct at the defined consecutive z position with a temporal resolution of 250 msec per section. The starting points of the reconstruction were chosen between 30% and 80% of the R-R intervals. The relationships between heart rate, trigger delay, and image quality were analyzed. RESULTS: Optimal image quality was achieved with a 50% trigger delay for the right coronary artery and 60% for the left circumflex coronary artery. Optimal image quality for the left anterior descending coronary artery was equally obtained at 50% and 60% triggering. A significant negative correlation was observed between heart rate and image quality (P <.05). The best image quality was achieved when the heart rate was less than 74.5 beats per minute. CONCLUSION: To achieve high image quality, the heart rate should be sufficiently slow. Selection of appropriate trigger delays and a decreasing heart rate are effective to reduce cardiac motion artifacts.     

Cardiac phase-correlated image reconstruction and advanced image processing in pulmonary CT imaging

Image quality in pulmonary CT imaging is commonly degraded by cardiac motion artifacts. Phase-correlated image reconstruction algorithms known from cardiac imaging can reduce motion artifacts but increase image noise and conventionally require a concurrently acquired ECG signal for synchronization. Techniques are presented to overcome these limitations. Based on standard and phase-correlated images that are reconstructed using a raw data-derived synchronization signal, image-merging and temporal-filtering techniques are proposed that combine the input images automatically or interactively. The performance of the approaches is evaluated in patient and phantom datasets. In the automatic approach, areas of strong motion and static areas were well detected, providing an optimal combination of standard and phase-correlated images with no visible border between the merged regions. Image noise in the non-moving regions was reduced to the noise level of the standard reconstruction. The application of the interactive filtering allowed for an optimal adaptation of image noise and motion artifacts. Noise content after interactive filtering decreased with increasing temporal filter width used. We conclude that a combination of our motion-free merging approach and a dedicated interactive filtering procedure can highly improve pulmonary imaging with respect to motion artifacts and image noise.     

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%).     

Herzbildgebung mit schneller, retrospektiv EKG-synchronisierter Mehrschichtspiral-CT

PURPOSE: In this paper a method for cardiac imaging with fast multi-slice CT and retrospectively ECG-gated spiral acquisition is presented. METHODS: A fast multi-slice CT system with 4 simultaneously acquired slices and 0.5 s rotation time is used (Siemens Somatom VolumeZoom). Continuous spiral data of the entire heart volume is acquired together with the patient's ECG and reconstructed with dedicated spiral algorithms providing 250 ms temporal resolution. Three-dimensional image data sets are built up from overlapping slices that are reconstructed in an arbitrary, user-defined phase of the heart cycle (e.g. diastolic phase). To evaluate the capability of the method for functional imaging complete three-dimensional image volumes are reconstructed from the same spiral data set in different phases of the heart cycle. RESULTS: A spiral data set of the entire heart volume may be acquired within a single breath-hold. Typical scan times for standard examinations with 3 mm slice width are 10-15 s, and for high-resolution CT angiographies of the coronary arteries with 1.25 mm slice width about 30-35 s. Motion-free reconstruction of the heart and coronary arteries with high spatial resolution is possible in the diastolic phase of the heart cycle. Multi-phase reconstructions from the same spiral scan data set are possible, however, motion artifacts in heart phases with fast cardiac motion may not be completely avoided. CONCLUSION: Fast multi-slice spiral CT with retrospectively ECG-gated spiral reconstruction is well suited for three-dimensional and functional imaging of the heart, especially for high-resolution imaging of calcified coronary plaques and CT-angiography of the coronary arteries.     

Quantification of coronary artery calcium using multidetector CT and a retrospective ECG-gating reconstruction algorithm.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the quality of and motion artifacts on multidetector CT scans and to compare the results with those of and on electron beam CT scans for the assessment of coronary calcium scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: First, 20 volunteers were scanned using multidetector CT. We compared the signal-to-noise ratio in the heart, motion artifacts at the heart border, and the highest CT values in the regions of the coronary arteries using single-sector and multisector reconstruction algorithms. Next, 60 patients with coronary calcified deposits underwent both multidetector CT and electron beam CT. We compared coronary calcium scores determined with multidetector CT using the two algorithms (thresholds of 90 and 130 H) with those determined using electron beam CT. RESULTS: The signal-to-noise ratio was higher and motion artifacts were reduced when we used the multisector algorithm. The highest CT value in the region of the coronary arteries exceeded 90 H in one of 55 arteries on the multisector algorithm images and 17 of 55 arteries on single-sector algorithm images (chi-square test, p < 0.01). In coronary calcium scoring, correlation coefficients ranged from 0.920 to 0.992 (Pearson's product moment) and from 0.932 to 0.969 (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient). CONCLUSION: Multidetector CT with a retrospective ECG-gating algorithm (multisector reconstruction) produced cardiac images with fewer motion artifacts and showed a high correlation with coronary calcium scores determined using electron beam CT. Therefore, multidetector CT is a potential tool for coronary calcium scoring.     

Coronary artery motion during the cardiac cycle and optimal ECG triggering for coronary artery imaging

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to investigate the motion characteristics of the coronary arteries and determine optimal electrocardiographic (ECG) trigger time during the cardiac cycle to minimize motion artifacts. METHODS: Contrast-enhanced multislice movie studies of electron beam tomography (EBT) images were performed on 70 subjects. The EBT datasets, which covered an entire cardiac cycle at 58-ms intervals, were acquired for a short-axis view of the heart with ECG triggering. The pixel values along x and y axes were measured at multiple intervals during the cardiac cycle to establish the motion distance and velocity of three major coronary arteries. RESULTS: Coronary artery motion varied greatly throughout the cardiac cycle in three major coronary arteries and increased with the patient's baseline heart rate. The greatest and lowest velocities of coronary arterial movement during the cardiac cycle were determined. Based on the lowest velocity of right coronary artery movement during the cardiac cycle, the optimal ECG trigger times were located at approximately 35% (31.4%-37.6%) or 70% (68.7%-71.4%) of the R-R interval in patients whose resting heart rate was < or =70 beats per minute (bpm); at 50% (47.2%-61.1%) of the R-R interval in the 71- to 100-bpm group; and at 55% (52.8%-59.1%) of the R-R interval in the >100-bpm group. Our data demonstrated that the motion characteristics of the left circumflex artery were quite similar to those of the right coronary artery and that the left anterior descending coronary artery had no significant differences in motion throughout the cardiac cycle. A minimum scan speed of 35.4 to 75.5 ms per slice is needed to completely diminish cardiac motion artifacts (in-plane coronary artery motion with <1-mm displacement). CONCLUSIONS: For coronary artery screening, the optimal ECG trigger time should be determined according to the patient's heart rate, thus greatly reducing motion and motion artifacts during 100-ms acquisitions.     

双源CT前瞻性心电门控扫描在急性胸痛诊断中应用的可行性

目的探讨应用双源CT(dual-source CT,DSCT)前瞻性心电门控扫描对不同心率的急性胸痛患者诊断的可行性。方法对42例急性胸痛患者进行DSCT前瞻性心电门控心胸联合扫描,并将患者分为两组,A组患者心率≤75次/min,采集时相选择70%R-R间期,心电脉冲窗设为62%～78%,B组患者心率>75次/min,采集时相选择40%R-R间期,心电脉冲窗设为32%～48%。由两名有经验的放射科医师对两组患者的肺动脉、主动脉、冠状动脉进行靶重组,评价图像质量,并进行诊断,同时计算出辐射剂量;应用χ2检验和两独立样本t检验比较两组图像的诊断价值,其中16例冠状动脉结果与血管造影结果对比。结果仅1例主动脉CT值未达到诊断标准,两组肺动脉、主动脉平均CT值差异无统计学意义(t值分别为0.254、0.700,P值均>0.05);A、B两组可评价冠状动脉节段分别为278/284(97.89%)、297/307(96.74%),差异无统计学意义;其中16例冠状动脉结果与血管造影结果对比有较好的一致性;患者接受的平均有效剂量为(8.67±2.54)mSv。结论 DSCT前瞻性心电门控心胸联合扫描在无需控制心率情况下能获得较好的图像质量。     

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.     

64层VCT冠脉成像单扇区图像重建算法与相位窗的优选

目的评价单扇区图像重建算法的相位窗优选。方法102例患者行64层VCT冠状动脉成像检查，采用回顾性心电门控、0.35s容积扫描、单扇区重建算法，静脉注射对比剂。在8个相位窗（心动周期的R波后45%、50%、55%、65%、70%、75%、80%和90%）上对冠状动脉进行CT图像重组。结果在冠状动脉内径大于1.6mm的1286个节段中，823个节段（占63.9%）在75%相位窗上显示最佳，267个节段（占20.8%）在70%相位窗上显示最佳，109个节段（占8.4%）在50%相位窗上显示最佳，31个节段（占2.4%）在80%相位窗上显示最佳，23个节段（占1.7%）在45%相位窗上显示最佳，15个节段（占1.1%）在55%相位窗上显示最佳，11个节段（占0.9%）在90%相位窗上显示最佳，7个节段（占0.5%）在65%相位窗上显示最佳。结论采用单扇区重建算法，冠状动脉多数在心动周期的R波后75%相位窗上显示最佳，其次为70%和50%相位窗。