Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the dipyridamole sestamibi stress test comparing arterial to vein conduits

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the dipyridamole stress test (DSST) in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with saphenous vein graft obstruction > or = 50% in patients with prior coronary artery surgery and symptoms. DESIGN: In 144 patients with prior coronary artery surgery who underwent a DSST within 8 +/- 7 days of coronary angiography performed because of cardiac symptoms, we investigated the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the DSST in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native CAD (201 total arterial conduits) vs > or = 50% obstruction of saphenous vein grafts (total saphenous grafts = 246). SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: The 144 patients included 88 men and 56 women, mean age 68 +/- 9 years (+/- SD). RESULTS: The DSST had a sensitivity of 81%, a specificity of 87%, a PPV of 84%, and a NPV of 84% in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native CAD. The DSST had a sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 82%, a PPV of 86%, and a NPV of 85% in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of saphenous vein grafts. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in sensitivity, specificity, PPV, or NPV of the DSST in predicting > or = 50% obstruction of an internal mammary artery or new native CAD vs predicting > or = 50% obstruction of saphenous vein grafts in patients with prior coronary artery surgery and cardiac symptoms.     

Determining in-stent stenosis of carotid arteries by duplex ultrasound criteria.

PURPOSE: To develop customized duplex ultrasound criteria for assessment of in-stent restenosis in the carotid arteries. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 605 patients who underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS) from July 1996 to August 2004 at a single institution. Data on the stented carotid artery were accumulated from patients who had carotid angiography and duplex ultrasound (US) within 30 days of each other. Preliminary review found 118 pairs of ultrasound scans and angiograms in stented carotid arteries. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and internal carotid artery to common carotid artery ratio (ICA/CCA) were examined. Angiographic stenosis was graded by NASCET criteria and compared to velocity parameters at clinically relevant levels of stenosis. The Student t test was used to compare similarly obtained data from 41 nonstented carotid arteries. RESULTS: PSV, ICA/CCA ratio, and EDV increased to a greater degree in stented arteries with stenosis. In 50% to 69% stenotic arteries, mean ICA/CCA ratio was 4.74+/-0.61 in stented versus 3.68+/-0.24 in nonstented carotid arteries (p = 0.043). In arteries with > or = 70% stenosis, there were increases in PSV (475+/-22 versus 337+/-26 cm/s, p = 0.001), EDV (172+/-23 versus 122+/-8 cm/s, p = 0.043), and the ICA/CCA ratio (8.18+/-2.19 versus 5.11+/-0.66, p = 0.063) in stented versus nonstented arteries, respectively. To detect > or = 70% angiographic stenosis, PSV > or = 350 cm/s had 100% sensitivity, 96% specificity, 55% positive predictive value (PPV), and 100% negative predictive value (NPV); an ICA/CCA ratio > or = 4.75 had 100% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 50% PPV, and 100% NPV. To predict > 50% stenosis, combining PSV > or = 225 cm/s and ICA/PCA ratio > or = 2.5 increased sensitivity (95%), specificity (99%), PPV (95%), NPV (99%), and accuracy (98%). CONCLUSIONS: PSV and ICA/CCA increase with stenosis to a greater extent in stented carotid arteries, necessitating revision of existing US criteria to follow CAS patients. To determine > or = 70% in-stent stenosis, PSV > or = 350 cm/s and ICA/CCA ratio > or = 4.75 are sensitive criteria. To determine > or = 50% stenosis, combining PSV > or = 225 cm/s and ICA/PCA ratio > or = 2.5 is optimal.     

Endothelial functional and structural impairment in patients with different degrees of coronary artery disease development

Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) are noninvasive methods for patient evaluation. In this study we aimed to estimate the correlation between FMD and IMT in patients with different degree of coronary artery disease (CAD) development, and to explore their prognostic significance for the presence of angiographically significant coronary artery stenosis. We included 198 patients divided into five groups according to the degree of CAD development. All patients had FMD and IMT measured, 105 (53.03%) performed a Treadmill test in our clinic, and 146 (73.7%) underwent coronary arteriography (CAG). Patients with significant (> or = 50%) coronary artery stenosis had lower FMD and higher IMT values compared to patients without significant CAD: FMD: 2.78% +/- 2.71% vs 8.24% +/- 5.16%, respectively, P < 0.001; IMT: 0.882 +/- 0.17 mm vs 0.763 +/- 0.16 mm, respectively, P < 0.001. There existed a weak negative correlation between FMD and IMT (correlation coefficient: 0.242, P < 0.001), which was lost in subgroups and after controlling for the presence of significant CAD, number of diseased coronary arteries, and percent coronary artery stenosis. Analyzing the receiver operating characteristic curves we found that FMD values < or = 4.5% had 74% sensitivity, 77% specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) 81.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 68%, and IMT values > or = 0.81 mm had sensitivity 71%, specificity 67%, PPV 76.1%, and NPV 63.1% for the presence of significant CAD. Patients with advanced CAD had lower FMD and higher IMT values compared to patients with minor changes. The correlation between FMD and IMT was weak and inconsistent. Both methods demonstrated an acceptable prognostic significance for the presence of significant CAD.     

Combined coronary and mitral annulus calcium detection in the non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with systemic hypertension

BACKGROUND: Although the presence of coronary calcium (CC) on fast spiral computed tomography (FSCT) is a powerful predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD), both the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of CC in CAD diagnosis are modest. Since previous studies have shown an association between mitral annular calcification (MAC) and coronary atherosclerosis, we aimed to investigate whether combined coronary and MAC detection could improve the non-invasive diagnosis of CAD. DESIGN AND METHODS: Our study comprised 522 patients (284 men and 238 women, age ranged from 52-80 years, mean 65 +/- 6 years) who underwent FSCT of the coronaries as well as echo-Doppler examination. Among them, 97 patients had prior diagnosis of prevalent proven CAD (CAD group) while 425 patients were without clinically manifested CAD (the No CAD group). RESULTS: The prevalence of CC in the CAD group was 95 versus 68% in the No CAD group (P = 0.001). The prevalence of MAC in CAD group was 63 versus 51% in No CAD group (P = 0.03). Sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) of CC as a predictor of CAD were 95 and 96% respectively, but specificity and PPV were low: 32 and 24% respectively. Sensitivity and NPV of MAC as predictors of CAD were 63 and 85% respectively; specificity and PPV, 49 and 22% respectively. Using of combined CC and MAC evaluation in the prediction led to some specificity improvement at the expense of a similar sensitivity reduction, without a considerable gain in the total accuracy of the method. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary calcium detection on FSCT in hypertensive patients yields excellent sensitivity and NPV but relatively low specificity and PPV for clinically manifested CAD. Mitral annular calcification assessment yields a low sensitivity and specificity and its addition to CC evaluation does not improve non-invasive diagnosis of CAD.     

Non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery bypass grafts using 16-row multi-slice computed tomography with 188 ms temporal resolution

BACKGROUND: Cardiac multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) scanners permit visualization of the coronary arteries and coronary artery bypass grafts. The latest MSCT generation with true 16-detector slices (Sensation 16 Speed 4 D, Siemens, Forchheim, Germany) provides improved temporal and spatial resolution, as well as significantly reduced scan time. To assess, whether this technical improvement has also an impact on image quality and accuracy of MSCT diagnosis in patients with previous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery the following study was conducted. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Thirteen consecutive patients (pts) (10 male, 3 female, mean age 62 +/- 6.4 [55-73] years, heart rate 68 +/- 11 [52-88] bpm) and a total number of 43 coronary bypass grafts (11 arterial, 32 venous grafts) were examined by MSCT (gantry rotation time 375 ms). In addition to the analysis of coronary bypass grafts, 13 coronary segments (sgts) were evaluated in each patient (n = 169 sgts). MSCT results were compared with coronary angiography. RESULTS: Forty-one of 43 bypass grafts (95%) were analyzable by MSCT. In conventional angiography 16 of 43 (37%) grafts were occluded. Sixteen of them were correctly diagnosed by MSCT (sensitivity 100%). One graft showed a 50% anastomosis stenosis which was also detected. Twenty-five of 27 grafts without severe lesion showed no significant stenosis in MSCT (specificity 93%, positive predictive value (PPV) 89%, negative predictive value (NPV) 100%). Ninety of 108 (83%) high-grade stenosis (>70%) of the native coronary vessels were correctly detected (sensitivity 83%, PPV 78%). From the 61 sgts without high grade stenosis 36 were correctly classified (specificity 59%, NPV 67%). If sgts number 8, 9 and 10, which are normally not target for revascularization, are excluded sensitivity rises to 89%, specificity to 71%, PPV to 87% and NPV to 75%. The correct clinical diagnosis (absence or presence of a high grade stenosis of at least one bypass graft) was achieved in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: True 16-slice MSCT with faster gantry rotation time allows detection of lesions in coronary artery bypass grafts with high sensitivity and specificity. The evaluation of native vessels in pts with known CAD remains a diagnostic challenge. However, the correct clinical diagnosis was achieved in all pts. MSCT is a non-invasive tool to assess coronary artery bypass grafts.     

双源计算机断层扫描成像在冠状动脉小血管支架内再狭窄的应用价值

目的探讨双源计算机断层扫描冠状动脉造影术(dual source computed tomography coronary angiography,DSCT-CA)在冠状动脉小血管支架内再狭窄的应用价值。方法对76例(男59例,女17例)有胸闷、胸痛的患者在术后6～12个月行经皮冠状动脉造影后行DSCT-CA检查。根据心率及造影结果将患者分成不同的组别:心率≤70次/min组[n=48,扫描时心率(58±5)次/min]与心率﹥70次/min组[n=41,扫描时心率(78±9)次/min];简单病变组(单个支架,n=54)与复杂病变组(重叠支架及分叉支架,n=35);右冠状动脉组(n=33)、左回旋支组(n=43)和左前降支组(n=13),并比较分析DSCT-CA对各组诊断的敏感性、特异性及阳性预测值、阴性预测值。结果76例患者共植入89个支架,其中31.4%(28/89)的支架经血管造影证实有再狭窄。DSCT-CA对支架内再狭窄的敏感性、特异性及阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为89%、87%、76%和95%。DSCT-CA对心率≤70次/min组与心率﹥70次/min组的诊断价值比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。DSCT-CA对冠状动脉三主支的诊断价值比较,差异也无统计学意义(P>0.05)。DSCT-CA诊断复杂病变组的敏感性、阳性预测值、特异性,阴性预测值均低于简单病变组,差异有统计学意义(83%vs.94%,P<0.05;63%vs.88%,P<0.05;74%vs.95%,P<0.05;89%vs.97%,P<0.05)。简单病变组组内分析结果显示,其敏感性和特异性比较,差异无统计学意义(94%vs.95%,P>0.05);阳性预测值低于阴性预测值,差异有统计学意义(88%vs.97%,P<0.05)。4年的质控分析结果显示,DSCT-CA检测小血管支架内再狭窄率呈逐年上升趋势,2006年及2007年再狭窄率均在平均水平以下,2009年超出了平均水平的一倍。结论DSCT-CA可作为小血管支架术后再狭窄的筛选手段,阴性者可排外支架内再狭窄,阳性者需进一步行冠状动脉造影以明确诊断。     

双源CT在冠状动脉支架内再狭窄诊断中的价值

目的 参照定量冠状动脉造影结果,评价双源CT在冠状动脉支架内再狭窄诊断中的价值.方法 对55例支架术后出现胸闷、胸痛的冠心病患者,在术后6～12个月行双源CT检查及定量冠状动脉造影.以定量冠状动脉造影结果为参照,评价双源CT诊断支架内再狭窄的真阳性、真阴性、假阳性、假阴性,并计算敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值.分析心率、置人支架情况对双源CT诊断性能的影响.结果 55例患者共置入89枚支架,其中31.5%(28/89)的支架经冠状动脉造影证实发生支架内再狭窄.双源CT诊断支架内再狭窄的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为89%、87%、76%和95%.双源CT诊断心率＜70次/min及≥70次/min患者支架内再狭窄的敏感性(94%比82%)、特异性(88%比90%)、阳性预测值(76%比75%)、阴性预测值(97%比93%)差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).双源CT诊断重叠支架、分叉部位支架与单支架再狭窄的敏感性(84%比100%)、特异性(81%比96%)、阳性预测值(70%比90%)和阴性预测值(91%比100%)差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).双源CT诊断直径≥3.50 mm支架、直径3.00 mm支架和直径≤2.75mm支架发生再狭窄的特异性(分别为100%、80%和66%,P＜0.05)和阳性预测值(分别为100%、95%和53%,P＜0.05)差异有统计学意义.结论 双源CT对大直径支架的再狭窄有较好的诊断性能,且不受心率和支架分布情况的影响.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the value of dual source computed tomography coronary angiography(DSCT-CA)on detecting in-stent restenosis(＞ 50% luminal narrowing)in symptomatic patients referred for quantitative coronary angiography(QAC). Methods Fifty five patients(43 males)with chest pain after coronary stent implantation within 6 - 12 months were evaluated by DSCT-CA and QAC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV)and negative predictive value(NPV)of DSCT-CA were calculated using coronary angiography as gold standard. Results Eighty nine stents were implanted.In-stent restenosis was evidenced in 28 stents(31.5%)by QAC. The sensitivity, specificity PPV and NPV of DSCT-CA for the diagnosis of in-stent restenosis was 89%, 87%, 76% and 95%, respectively.Diagnostic efficiency was not affected by heart rate and the sensitivity was 0. 94 vs. 0.82, the specificity 0. 88 vs. 0. 90, the PPV 0. 76 vs. 0.75 and the NPV 0. 97 vs. 0. 93(all P ＞ 0. 05)between patients with heart rate ＜70 beats/min and patients with heart rate≥70 beats/min. The sensitivity(84% vs. 100%),specificity(81% vs. 96%), PPV(70% vs. 90%)and NPV(91% vs. 100%)were similar between overlapping or bifurcations stents and single stents. The specificity(100% vs. 80% vs. 66%)and PPV (100% vs. 95% vs. 53%)were significantly higher in the groups with stents ≥3.50 mm, stents 3.00 mm than in stents ≤2. 75 mm(both P ＜ 0. 05). Conclusion Diagnostic efficiency of in-stent restenosis with DSCT-CA in the large diameter stent is better than in the small diameter stent and the diagnosis efficacy is not affected by heart rate and stent distribution.     

16排CT在评价胸痛患者冠状动脉病变中的应用价值

目的：探讨16排计算机断层扫描技术(CT)在评价胸痛疑似冠心病患者冠状动脉病变中的应用价值。方法：52例胸痛疑似冠心病患者人选,分别用16排CT造影方法(CTA)和常规冠状动脉造影方法(CAG)评价冠状动脉病变情况,并以CAG为标准计算CTA诊断冠状动脉病变的敏感度、特异度、阳性预测值(PPV)和阴性预测值(NPV)。结果：CTA能评价所有627个冠状动脉节段中的546个(87%)。在该546个冠状动脉节段中,CTA诊断冠状动脉病变的敏感度、特异度、PPV和NPV分别是94%、95%、82%和99%;CTA对冠状动脉左主干及其近中段病变的敏感度、特异度、PPV和NPV均高于冠状动脉远段和分支血管。结论：CTA能较准确地评价胸痛疑似冠心病患者冠状动脉(尤其是近、中段)的病变情况。     

The role of coronary reserve in diagnosis of hemodynamically significant stenoses in anterior descending and right coronary arteries: transthoracic ultrasound study

Analysis of possibilities of transthoracic echocardiography (TTEchoCG) diagnosis of hemodynamically significant stenoses of anterior descending and right coronary arteries (ADCA and RCA) based on Doppler assessment of coronary reserve (CR) was carried out in 73 patients with cardiac pain syndrome (mean age 48+/-7 years, 60 men, 13 women). As a referent method we used coronary angiography. Coronary blood flow at baseline and during administration of a vasodilator (dipyridamole up to 0.84 mg/kg) was assessed by broadband ultrasound transducer in the mode of noncontrast tissue second harmonic imaging in distal segments of ADCA and posterior interventricular artery (PIVA). CR was calculated as ratio of peak hyperemic to baseline diastolic coronary blood flow velocity. CR <2.0 was diagnosed as lowered. We found that TTEchoCG was simple noninvasive method of assessment of CR in distal thirds of ADCA and PIVA, which can be fulfilled in 90 and 86%of patients, respectively. We also revealed that hemodynamically significant stenoses of ADCA and PIVA caused CR lowering distally to zone of stenosis and that degree of CR lowering depended on severity of vascular narrowing. We found that CR<2.0 in distal third of ADCA was a predictor of its >50% narrowing with sensitivity 78%, specificity 85%, positive predictive value (PPV) 67%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 90%. In the presence of >70% ADCA stenosis sensitivity and NPV of the parameter reached 100%. We revealed that CR<2.0 in PIVA served as a marker of >50% RCA stenosis with sensitivity 88%, specificity 86%, PPV 68%, and NPV 95%. In the presence of >70% RCA stenosis sensitivity and NPV of the parameter rose up to 92 and 97%, respectively.     

Integrated single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography coronary angiography for the assessment of hemodynamically significant coronary artery lesions.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the physiologic significance of coronary artery lesions with an integrated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) device. BACKGROUND: Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with SPECT is of value for assessing the physiologic significance of coronary lesions. Computed tomography coronary angiography is a new technique to noninvasively detect coronary stenosis, with high sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) but lower specificity and positive predictive value (PPV). The experimental SPECT/CTCA hybrid imaging device (Infinia gamma camera and LightSpeed16 CT, General Electric, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) enables concurrent assessment of coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with angina pectoris underwent single-session SPECT-MPI and CTCA with the hybrid device and coronary angiography (CA) within 4 weeks. The ability of fused SPECT/CTCA images to diagnose physiologically significant lesions showing >50% stenosis and reversible perfusion defects in the same territory was determined and compared with CTCA stand-alone. RESULTS: Of a total of 224 coronary segments in 56 patients, 12 patients and 54 segments (23%) were excluded from further analysis of CTCA. Overall, 170 coronary segments were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CTCA were 96%, 63%, 31%, and 99%, respectively, as compared with 96%, 95%, 77%, and 99%, respectively, for SPECT/CTCA. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid SPECT/CTCA imaging results in improved specificity and PPV to detect hemodynamically significant coronary lesions in patients with chest pain. Single-photon emission computed tomography/CTCA might play a potentially important role in the noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease and introduce an objective decision-making tool for assessing the need for interventions in each occluded vessel.     

Diagnostic accuracy of flow-mediated dilatation and intima-media thickness for the presence of significant coronary artery disease

Our purpose was to determine and compare the diagnostic accuracy of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT). Included were 543 patients. FMD was performed in 543 patients, IMT in 233, and coronary arteriography (CAG) in 442. Analyzing ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves, FMD ≤5.64% showed 89% sensitivity, 62% specificity, 65% positive predictive value (PPV), and 88% negative predictive value (NPV) for the presence of angiographically significant coronary artery disease (CAD). IMT ≥0.788 mm had 71% sensitivity, 62% specificity, PPV 60%, and NPV 73% for the presence of advanced coronary atherosclerosis. FMD >8% or IMT <0.614 mm distinguished a group of patients with a low probability of advanced CAD (95% sensitivity for both and 91% and 81% NPV for FMD and IMT, respectively), whereas FMD ≤0% or IMT ≥1.09 mm indicated a high probability for significant coronary stenosis (specificity 95% and NPV 71 and 67%, respectively). FMD and IMT have a clinically applicable diagnostic accuracy for the presence of angiographically significant CAD with a better performance for FMD. FMD and IMT values help us define zones with high and low probability for the presence of advanced coronary atherosclerosis.     

Use of coronary calcium score in the assessment of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries

INTRODUCTION: Increased cardiovascular morbidity leads to search for new, non-invasive diagnostic methods for early detection of atherosclerosis. Among others computed tomography has become a matter of interest. The usefulness of quantitative analysis of calcification using multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) in cardiology has been studied recently. AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of calcium score (CS), estimated with MSCT, in identifying the risk of coronary artery stenosis. METHODS: The analysis involved 340 consecutive patients, 222 men and 118 women, mean age 59.7+/-9.38 years. All patients were admitted to hospital with symptoms of coronary artery disease for coronary angiography. In all subjects risk factor assessment and CS estimation using MSCT were performed. RESULTS: Mean CS was 271.1+/-605.9 and it increased with the progression of coronary artery disease. The differences between mean CS values in patients without coronary stenosis and patients with 1-, 2- or 3-vessel disease varied significantly (p <0.001). The cut-off point for total CS for the presence of coronary artery stenosis in the study group was set at > or =56 (sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 85.3%). The likelihood of the absence of significant stenosis (negative predictive value) in the whole study group was 93.5% and in women reached 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary calcium score is a valuable parameter in assessing the likelihood of presence of coronary stenosis. The absence of calcifications in coronary arteries (CS=0) excludes significant coronary stenosis with a high probability.     

Accuracy of MSCT coronary angiography with 64-slice technology: first experience.

AIMS: The aim of our study was to investigate the accuracy of 64-slice computed tomography (CT) for assessing haemodynamically significant stenoses of coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: CT angiography was performed in 67 patients (50 male, 17 female; mean age 60.1+/-10.5 years) with suspected coronary artery disease and compared with invasive coronary angiography. All vessels > or =1.5 mm were considered for the assessment of significant coronary artery stenosis (diameter reduction >50%). Forty-seven patients were identified as having significant coronary stenoses on invasive angiography with 18% (176/1005) affected segments. None of the coronary segments needed to be excluded from analysis. CT correctly identified all 20 patients having no significant stenosis on invasive angiography. Overall sensitivity for classifying stenoses was 94%, specificity was 97%, positive predictive value was 87%, and negative predictive value was 99%. CONCLUSION: Sixty-four-slice CT provides a high diagnostic accuracy in assessing coronary artery stenoses.     

320排CT对心房颤动患者冠状动脉CT成像的研究

目的：评价320排CT对心房颤动患者冠状动脉CT成像的有效性。方法：连续入组34例持续心房颤动患者。所有患者均进行了320排CTCA和常规冠状动脉造影（CCA）检查。两位评价者评价CTCA是否存在冠状动脉显著狭窄（≥50%）,以CCA为参照标准,评价CTCA的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值（PPV）和阴性预测值（NPV）。结果：以冠状动脉段为单位,CTCA的敏感性、特异性、PPV和NPV分别为94.1%、99.3%、84.2%和99.8%。结论：320排CTCA诊断的准确性较高,在心房颤动患者可以有效地排除冠心病。     

Detection of coronary artery stenosis with whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance (MR) angiography for detecting significant coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: The accuracy of whole-heart coronary MR angiography has not been determined in a large number of patients. METHODS: Three-dimensional coronary MR angiograms covering the entire heart were obtained during free breathing in 131 patients. Images were acquired during a patient-specific time window in the cardiac cycle with minimal motion of the coronary artery. Significant coronary artery disease was defined on X-ray coronary angiography as a diameter reduction of > or =50% in coronary arteries with a reference diameter of > or =2 mm. RESULTS: The acquisition of MR angiography was completed in 113 (86%) of 131 patients, with an imaging time averaged at 12.9 +/- 4.3 min. On a patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and accuracy of MR angiography were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] 69% to 91%), 90% (95% CI 79% to 96%), 88% (95% CI 74% to 95%), 86% (95% CI 75% to 93%), and 87% (95% CI 79% to 92%), respectively. These values in the individual segments were 78% (95% CI 68% to 85%), 96% (95% CI 95% to 97%), 69% (95% CI 60% to 77%), 98% (95% CI 96% to 98%), and 94% (95% CI 96% to 96%). CONCLUSIONS: Whole-heart coronary MR angiography allows for noninvasive detection of significant narrowing in coronary arterial segments with a diameter of > or =2 mm with moderate sensitivity and high specificity.     

Is coronary risk an accurate surrogate for cardiovascular risk for treatment decisions in mild hypertension? A population validation

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between coronary (CHD) and cardiovascular (CVD) risk in patients with uncomplicated mild hypertension and to determine the accuracy of using CHD risk > or = 15% over 10 years to identify for antihypertensive treatment those patients with CVD risk > or = 20% over 10 years as advised in recent British guidelines. DESIGN: Comparison of decisions made using CHD risk > or = 15% over 10 years calculated by the Framingham risk function and estimated using a simple table with CVD risk > or = 20% over 10 years. SETTING: British population. SUBJECTS: People aged 35-64 years with uncomplicated mild systolic hypertension (SBP 140-159 mmHg, n = 624) from the 1995 Scottish Health Survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relationship between CHD and CVD risk. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV). RESULTS: CHD risk 15% over 10 years was equivalent to CVD risk 21% over 10 years. Exact CHD risk > or = 15% over 10 years had sensitivity 79%, specificity 98%, PPV 94% and NPV 93% in detecting CVD risk > or = 20% over 10 years. Use of the table to estimate CHD risk > or = 15% over 10 years gave sensitivity 88%, specificity 90%, PPV 76% and NPV 95%. CONCLUSION: CHD risk appears acceptably accurate for targeting treatment in mild hypertension. The risk assessment table, which slightly overestimates CHD risk, was more sensitive in identifying patients with CVD risk > or = 20% over 10 years and may be preferable to using exact CHD risk. European guidelines which suggest targeting treatment for mild hypertension at CHD risk > or = 20% over 10 years are over-conservative compared with British guidelines.     

Diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice computed tomography for detecting angiographically significant coronary artery stenosis in an unselected consecutive patient population: comparison with conventional invasive angiography.

BACKGROUND: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a promising noninvasive method of detecting coronary artery disease (CAD). However, most data have been obtained in selected series of patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of 64-slice MSCT (64 MSCT) in daily practice, without any patient selection. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using 64-slice MSCT coronary angiography (CTA), 69 consecutive patients, 39 (57%) of whom had previously undergone stent implantation, were evaluated. The mean heart rate during scan was 72 beats/min, scan time 13.6 s and the amount of contrast media 72 mL. The mean time span between invasive coronary angiography (ICAG) and CTA was 6 days. Significant stenosis was defined as a diameter reduction of > 50%. Of 966 segments, 884 (92%) were assessable. Compared with ICAG, the sensitivity of CTA to diagnose significant stenosis was 90%, specificity 94%, positive predictive value (PPV) 89% and negative predictive value (NPV) 95%. With regard to 58 stented lesions, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 93%, 96%, 87% and 98%, respectively. On the patient-based analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of CTA to detect CAD were 98%, 86%, 98% and 86%, respectively. Eighty-two (8%) segments were not assessable because of irregular rhythm, calcification or tachycardia. CONCLUSION: Sixty-four-MSCT has a high accuracy for the detection of significant CAD in an unselected patient population and therefore can be considered as a valuable noninvasive technique.     

Diagnosis of coronary in-stent restenosis with multidetector row spiral computed tomography.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a new generation spiral multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) scanner (Brilliance 40, Philips Medical Systems, Cleveland, Ohio) in the diagnosis of coronary in-stent restenosis (ISR). BACKGROUND: Noninvasive imaging of ISR would be clinically useful, but artifacts caused by metallic stent struts have limited the role of early generation MDCT scanners. METHODS: We examined 65 patients (age 63 +/- 12 years, 48 [73.8%] men) with 111 implanted coronary stents who were referred for repeat invasive coronary angiography (ICA). Patients underwent 40-slice MDCT one to three days before scheduled ICA, using intravenous contrast enhancement. Images were reconstructed in multiple formats using retrospective electrocardiographic gating. Stents were viewed in their long and short axes and luminal contrast attenuation graded from MDCT grade 1 (minimal restenosis) to 4 (severe restenosis) by consensus of two observers. RESULTS: In-stent restenosis (>/=60% luminal narrowing by quantitative coronary angiography) was found on ICA in 18 (16.2%) of the stented segments and in 16 (24.6%) patients. The MDCT findings correlated with ICA restenosis, with restenosis in only 1 of 59 (1.6%) MDCT grade 1 segments, but in more than three-quarters (12 of 15, 80%) of MDCT grade 4 segments (sensitivity 72.2%, specificity 92.5%, positive predictive value [PPV] 65.0%, negative predictive value [NPV] 94.5% [five stents not assessable by MDCT considered as restenosis]). Using MDCT grades 3 or 4 combined for restenosis, sensitivity of MDCT was 88.9%, specificity 80.6%, PPV 47.1%, and NPV 97.4%. CONCLUSIONS: In-stent restenosis can be diagnosed with moderate sensitivity using a new generation 40-slice MDCT scanner. The high NPV implies a significant role for MDCT in excluding ISR.     

冠状动脉CT成像和平板运动试验对冠心病的诊断价值

目的探讨冠状动脉CT成像(CTCA)和平板运动试验(TET)对冠心病的诊断价值。方法选择怀疑冠心病并于2周内分别行CTCA、TET及冠状动脉造影检查的患者共254例,以冠状动脉造影结果为对照指标,分析CTCA、TET及两者联合时对冠心病的诊断价值。结果 TET、CTCA及CTCA联合TET的敏感性、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值和准确率分别为:60.8%、64.7%、82.5%、37.6%和61.8%;84.9%、80.9%、92.4%、66.3%和83.9%;88.3%、86.0%、94.2%、74.0%和87.7%。CTCA对左主干病变的检出率明显高于冠状动脉造影(P<0.01)。结论 CTCA和CTCA联合TET在诊断冠心病时的准确率比单独TET高,CTCA对左主干病变的检出更有一定优势。因此,临床上可将CTCA作为可疑冠心病患者的筛查方法之一。     

CT and MR imaging for detecting neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet

AIM: Direct neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet is an uncommon but significant sequela of advanced head and neck carcinomas. The aim of this study was to seek an optimal CT or MRI criterion for determining the neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement in order to help tumor staging and surgical planning. METHODS: CT and MRI of 78 head and neck tumor cases were investigated retrospectively. At the level of the esophageal inlet on axial CT and MRI scans, the distance between the posterior aspect of cricoid cartilage and the anterior aspect of vertebra (d-CV) was measured by two senior radiologists who were unaware of clinical findings. Then, according to pathologie evidence and follow-up findings, these patients were divided into patients group, including 32 cases with neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet and control group, including 46 cases without neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement. The statistical difference based on d-CV between the two groups was determined. The optimal criterion of d-CV on CT or MRI was assessed and lts accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were evaluated respectively. RESULTS: In control group, d-CV at the esophageal inlet level was 0.94±0.15 cm on axial CT and 0.91±0.18 cm on axial MRI, whereas in patient group, d-CV was 1.24±0.32 cm on CT and 1.31±0.36 cm on MRI. There was a statistical significance in d-CV between the two groups on CT and MRI modalities (P<0.01). d-CV greater than 1.0 cm was the typicall feature of neoplastic invasion of the esophageal inlet with 73% sensitivity, 83% specificity, 79% accuracy, 76% PPV, 80% NPV on CT and 84% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 80% accuracy, 70% PPV, 88% NPV on MRI respectively. CONCLUSION: Except for other CT and MR imaging features of neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet, d-CV greater than 1.0 cm is an optimal adjunct criterion for esophageal inlet invasion by advanced head and neck carcinomas.