A model for temporal resolution of multidetector computed tomography of coronary arteries in relation to rotation time, heart rate and reconstruction algorithm

A model is presented that describes the image quality of coronary arteries with multidetector computer tomography. The results are discussed in the context of rotation time of the scanner, heart rate, and number of sectors used in the acquisition process. The blurring of the coronary arteries was calculated for heart rates between 50 and 100 bpm for rotation times of 420, 370, and 330 ms, and one-, two-, three-, and four-sector acquisition modes and irregular coronary artery movement is included. The model predicts optimal timing within the RR cycle of 45±3% (RCA), 44±4% and 74±6% (LCX), and 35±4% and 76±5% (LAD). The optimal timing shows a negative linear dependency on heart rate and increases with the number of sectors used. The RCA blurring decreases from 0.98 cm for 420 ms, one-sector mode to 0.27 cm for 330 ms, four-sector mode. The corresponding values are 0.81 cm and 0.29 cm for LCX and 0.42 cm and 0.17 cm for LAD. The number of sectors used in a multisector reconstruction and the timing within the cardiac cycle should be adjusted to the specific coronary artery that has to be imaged. Irregular coronary artery movement of 1.5 mm justifies the statement that no more than two sectors should be used in multisector acquisition processes in order to improve temporal resolution in cardiac MDCT.     

The Influence of Reconstruction Algorithm and Heart Rate on Coronary Artery Image Quality and Stenosis Detection at 64-Detector Cardiac CT

Objective

We wanted to evaluate the impact of two reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) on the image quality and the accuracy of measuring the severity of coronary stenoses by using a pulsating cardiac phantom with different heart rates (HRs).

Materials and Methods

Simulated coronary arteries with different stenotic severities (25, 50, 75%) and different luminal diameters (3, 4, 5 mm) were scanned with a fixed pitch of 0.16 and a 0.35 second gantry rotation time on a 64-slice multidetector CT. Both reconstruction algorithms (halfscan and multisector) were applied to HRs of 40-120 beats per minute (bpm) at 10 bpm intervals. Three experienced radiologists visually assessed the image quality and they manually measured the stenotic severity.

Results

Fewer measurement errors occurred with multisector reconstruction (p = 0.05), a slower HR (p < 0.001) and a larger luminal diameter (p = 0.014); measurement errors were not related with the observers or the stenotic severity. There was no significant difference in measurements as for the reconstruction algorithms below an HR of 70 bpm. More nonassessable segments were visualized with halfscan reconstruction (p = 0.004) and higher HRs (p < 0.001). Halfscan reconstruction had better quality scores when the HR was below 60 bpm, while multisector reconstruction had better quality scores when the HR was above 90 bpm. For the HRs between 60 and 90 bpm, both reconstruction modes had similar quality scores. With excluding the nonassessable segments, both reconstruction algorithms achieved a similar mean measured stenotic severity and similar standard deviations.

Conclusion

At a higher HR (above 90 bpm), multisector reconstruction had better temporal resolution, fewer nonassessable segments, better quality scores and better accuracy of measuring the stenotic severity in this phantom study.     

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.     

Correlation of effective temporal resolution and accuracy of volume ejection fraction on the ECG-gated cardiac MDCT

PURPOSE: ECG-gated cardiac MDCT offers many cardiac clinical applications. The goals of this report are 1) to introduce a new concept of effective reliability (ER) from effective temporal resolution for the evaluation of ejection fraction (EF) and evaluation of image quality (IQ) of coronary arteries, and 2) to show the correlation of ER and the accuracy of EF with different cardiac reconstruction algorithms and different rotation speeds. METHODS AND MATERIALS: To assess the accuracy of EF, helical scanning was performed with a gated cardiac MDCT (GE LightSpeed, 8/16 slice) on pulsating cardiac coronary phantoms (0.5 and 0.6 sec rotation speed for each 50-110 bpm, 5-bpm step). We define effective reliability (ER) from effective temporal resolution (%) as follows: ER= (1-TR/HC) x 100; TR: Effective temporal resolution, HC: time of heart cycle in each bpm. RESULTS: From the results of the EF measurement and calculated ER, high accuracy was obtained by using optimal scan conditions (optimal rotation speed and cardiac reconstruction algorithm) in a wide range of heart rates (heart rate<90: EF & ER>81%; heart rate<110 bpm: EF & ER>73%). Results showed that the calculated ER is closely correlated with the measurement results of EF based on the phantom experiment (R2=0.901+/-0.075; Max: 0.994, Min: 0.738). Optimal reconstruction thickness can reduce total image number for the evaluation of EF. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the ER is useful to evaluate EF accuracy and the IQ of images of coronary arteries.     

16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量相关影响因素分析及最佳扫描条件选择(心脏体模模拟实验)

目的 采用新型心脏动态体模,对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量相关影响因素进行分析,并探讨在不同心率下的扫描速度和重组算法选择.材料与方法 采用GE公司研制的新型心脏动态体模,心率设置为40～95次/min(间隔5次/min)共12组.采用GE LightSpeed 16 层螺旋CT,以心脏冠状动脉扫描模式对不同心率下的心脏体模进行扫描,X线球管转速(即扫描速度)设置为0.5 s/r和0.6 s/r.所有的扫描数据在R-R间期90%时相分别以单扇区(Snapshot segment)、双扇区(Burst-2)和四扇区重组(Burst-4)3种心脏重组算法进行重组.所有重组数据传至AW4.1工作站行后处理成像.后处理方法采用容积再现(VR)、多平面重组(MPR).分别对不同重组图像进行评分.统计学处理采用析因分析和多元线性回归分析.结果 (1)总模型具有统计学意义(F=11.15,P＜0.0001),不同心率(F=11.99,P＜0.0001)、不同转速(F=5.76,P=0.00196)、不同重组算法(F=9.21,P=0.0003)对图像质量有显著的影响,三者的交互作用均无显著差别(P＞0.05);(2)不同心率间比较,心率≤65次/min时图像质量评分较高(P＜0.05);(3)不同扫描速度比较,0.5 s/r时,图像质量评分较高(P＜0.05);(4)不同重组算法之间比较:重组算法为Burst-4和Burst-2时,图像质量评分较高(P＜0.05),但两者之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);(5)心率、扫描速度及重组算法与图像质量间具有多元线性回归关系(标准化回归系数分别为-0.70794、-0.16449和0.27341,F=34.43,P＜0.0001),各回归系数具有显著性.结论 心率、扫描速度及重组算法等是影响16层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的主要因素,可采用新型心脏动态体模进行评估.合理利用扫描参数能有效提高图像质量和检查的成功率.     

Evaluation of spatial and temporal resolution for ECG-gated 16-row multidetector CT using a dynamic cardiac phantom

Measurements of spatial and temporal resolution for ECG-gated scanning of a stationary and moving heart phantom with a 16-row MDCT were performed. A resolution phantom with cylindrical holes from 0.4 to 3.0 mm diameter was mounted to a cardiac phantom, which simulates the motion of a beating heart. Data acquisition was performed with 16×0.75 mm at various heart rates (HR, 60–120 bpm), pitches (0.15–0.30) and scanner rotation times (RT, 0.42 and 0.50 s). Raw data were reconstructed using a multi-cycle real cone-beam reconstruction algorithm at multiple phases of the RR interval. Multi-planar reformations (MPR) were generated and analyzed. Temporal resolution and cardiac cycles used for image reconstruction were calculated. In 97.2% (243/250) of data obtained with the stationary phantom, the complete row of holes with 0.6 mm was visible. These results were independent of heart rate, pitch, scanner rotation time and phase point of reconstruction. For the dynamic phantom, spatial resolution was determined during phases of minimal motion (116/250). In 40.5% (47/116), the resolution was 0.6 mm and in 37.1% (43/116) 0.7 mm. Temporal resolution varied between 63 and 205 ms, using 1.5–4.37 cardiac cycles for image reconstruction.This revised version was published online in March 2005 with corrections to the authors affiliations.     

Influence of heart rate on diagnostic accuracy and image quality of 16-slice CT coronary angiography: comparison of multisegment and halfscan reconstruction approaches

The lower the heart rate the better image quality in multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography. We prospectively assessed the influence of heart rate on per-patient diagnostic accuracy and image quality of MSCT coronary angiography and compared adaptive multisegment and standard halfscan reconstruction. A consecutive cohort of 126 patients scheduled to undergo conventional coronary angiography was examined with 16-slice CT. For all heart rate groups, per-patient diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher for multisegment than halfscan reconstruction with values of 95 vs. 79% (p < 0.05, <65 bpm, 38 patients), 85 vs. 66% (p < 0.05, 65–74 bpm, 47 patients), and 78% vs. 41% (p < 0.001, >74 bpm, 41 patients). Differences in diagnostic accuracy between adjacent heart rate groups were only significant for halfscan reconstruction for the comparison between the 65–74 and >74 bpm group (p < 0.05). The vessel lengths free of motion artifacts were significantly longer with multisegment reconstruction in all heart rate groups and for all coronary arteries (p < 0.005). For noninvasive MSCT coronary angiography, both per-patient diagnostic accuracy and image quality decline with increasing heart rate, and multisegment reconstruction at high heart rates yields similar results as standard halfscan reconstruction at low heart rates.     

心率对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响

目的探讨心率对16层螺旋CT冠状动脉造影图像质量的影响。方法80例健康体检者行16层螺旋CT回顾性心电门控条件下冠状动脉造影。每位患者的4条冠状动脉分支(左冠状动脉主干、左前降支、左回旋支、右冠状动脉)分别用于图像质量分析。结果心率≤65次/m in有89.3%(100/112支)的图像可用于诊断;心率66~80次/m in有81.1%(198/244支)的图像可用于诊断;心率>80次/m in有64.3%(36/56支)的图像可用于诊断;心律不齐或前后波动>5次/m in有25%(8/32支)的血管可用于诊断。结论MSCTCA图像质量受心率影响,并与之呈负相关。     

Comparative study with a moving heart phantom of the impact of temporal resolution on image quality with two multidetector electrocardiography-gated computed tomography units

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the temporal resolution-related image quality of electrocardiography-gated images acquired with two multidetector computed tomography (CT) units with a moving heart phantom, at similar fixed heart rates, using half-scan and multisector acquisition modes. METHODS: An adjustable moving heart phantom (Limbsandthings, Horfield, Bristol, UK) was used. Specific heart rates (47, 55, 64, 66, 69, and 73 beats per minute [bpm]) were chosen. On a General Electric CT unit (LightSpeed Plus; General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI), retrospective half-scan and multisector mode protocols were performed. On a Siemens CT unit (Somatom Volume Zoom; Siemens, Forchheim, Germany), a retrospective half-scan mode was performed at 47, 55, and 64 bpm, and a two-sector mode was performed at 66, 69, and 73 bpm. Reformatted maximum intensity projection images were qualitatively compared and related to their temporal resolution. RESULTS: Half-scan mode protocols provided similar good results with both CT units up to 55 bpm. The two-sector mode improved image quality compared with the half-scan mode. High temporal resolution with the multisector mode provided the best results. CONCLUSION: For coronary artery imaging, acquisition protocols that provide the highest temporal resolution are mandatory. The multisector mode is one technique that allows high temporal resolution but may be clinically inappropriate at heart rates below 65 bpm or when heart rate variation is observed during scan time.     

Initial results on visualization of coronary artery stents at multiple heart rates on a moving heart phantom using 64-MDCT

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the image quality of coronary artery stents at various heart rates using Multi Detector Computed Tomography (MDCT). METHODS: Nine different coronary stents were attached to a moving heart phantom and scanned using a 64-MDCT with a rotation time of 330 milliseconds (ms). The heart rate of the phantom was varied between 0 and 115 beats per minute (bpm). Two independent methods were used to investigate image quality. After reconstruction the average Houndsfield Unit (HU) value in the stent lumen was measured in the longitudinal and the cross-sectional plane. The stent images were then presented to two radiologists. The radiologists were asked to rank the images from good to bad based on lumen visibility and overall image quality. A second ranking was obtained using the CT density values. Finally two rankings were compared. RESULTS: Compared to the value for air, the HU-values measured in the lumen increased by 50 to 700 HU. Average slope value in the longitudinal plane was 1.7 +/- 0.6 HU/bpm, and the average slope value in the cross-sectional plane was 1.7 +/- 0.8 HU/bpm. This shows increased attenuation with increasing heart rate and thus a negative correlation between image quality and heart rate in both planes for all stents. The ranking acquired from the radiologists resembled the measured results as they also showed a negative correlation between the two variables. Using the results of the CT density measurements an analysis was done on multi-segment reconstruction (MSR). CONCLUSION: A negative correlation between the heart rate and image quality of coronary stents was found by two independent methods. MSR showed no benefit for image quality in this study.     

64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的相关影响因素分析(心脏体模模拟实验)

目的采用心脏动态体模，对64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的相关影响因素进行分析。方法采用GE Light speed64层螺旋CT，以心脏扫描的模式对心脏动态体模进行扫描。心脏动态体模由3部分组成：动力部分、解剖结构模拟部分和控制部分组成。心率设置为40、45、50、55、60、65、70、75、80、85、90、95、100、105、110和115次／min，X线管转速设置为每转0．35、0．40和0．45S，分别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组。重组数据传至AW4．2工作站后处理成像。后处理方法采用容积重组（VR）、多平面重组（MPR）模式。分别对不同重组图像进行评分。统计学处理采用多元线性回归模型。结果（1）心率对图像质量的影响有统计学意义（P〈0．01），随着心率的增加，图像质量评分呈下降趋势。多元线性回归分析显示心率每增加1次，图像质量评分平均减低0．046；（2）重组算法对图像质量的影响有统计学意义（P〈0．01），在同一条件下多扇区重组算法较单扇区重组算法能增加图像质量评分0．5。（3）X线管转速在0．35、0．40和0．45S下对图像质量的影响无统计学意义（P〉0，05），在40-115次／min心率时的重组图像，得到的最高评分时X线管转速分别为0．35和0．45S。（4）心率、重组算法与图像质量间具有多元线性回归关系（标准化回归系数分别为-0．824和0．194）。结论心脏动态体模评价64层螺旋CT冠状动脉成像图像质量的影响因素，能够为其临床应用和基础研究提供帮助。     

Advances in cardiac imaging with 16-section CT systems

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The authors present advances in electrocardiographically (ECG) gated cardiac spiral scanning with recently introduced 16-section computed tomographic (CT) equipment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors discuss the technical principles of ECG-gated cardiac scanning. They give an overview on system properties and on the detector design. They describe ECG-gated scan- and image-reconstruction techniques and ECG-controlled dose modulation ("ECG pulsing") for a reduction of the patient dose. They discuss key parameters for image quality and present simulation and phantom studies and they give preliminary values for the patient dose. RESULTS: An extension of the adaptive cardiac volume reconstruction for ECG-gated spiral CT provides adequate image quality for up to 16 sections. With the smallest reconstructed section width (about 0.83 mm) and overlapping image reconstruction, cylindrical holes 0.6-0.7 mm in diameter can be resolved in a transverse resolution phantom independent of the heart rate. For coronary CT angiography, the influence of transverse resolution is most pronounced for coronary segments that are only slightly tilted relative to the scan plane. In this case, visualization of stents and plaques is considerably improved with 1.0-mm or smaller section width. For 0.42-second gantry rotation time, temporal resolution reaches its optimum (105 msec) at a heart rate of 81 beats per minute. Effective patient dose for the standard protocols recommended by the manufacturer ranges from 0.45 mSv (male) for ECG-triggered calcium scoring to 7.1 mSv (male) for high-resolution ECG-gated coronary CT angiography. With ECG pulsing, the dose is reduced by 30%-50% depending on the patient's heart rate. CONCLUSION: Clinical experience will be needed to evaluate fully the potential of 16-section technology for cardiac imaging.     

Quantitative parameters of image quality in 64-slice computed tomography angiography of the coronary arteries

We explored quantitative parameters of image quality in consecutive patients undergoing 64-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography for clinical reasons. Forty-two patients (36 men, mean age 61 +/- 11 years, mean heart rate 63 +/- 10 bpm) underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT coronary angiography with a 64-slice scanner (Siemens Sensation 64, 64 mm x 0.6 mm collimation, 330 ms tube rotation, 850 mAs, 120 kV). Two independent observers measured the overall visualized vessel length and the length of the coronary arteries visualized without motion artifacts in curved multiplanar reformatted images. Contrast-to-noise ratio was measured in the proximal and distal segments of the coronary arteries. The mean length of visualized coronary arteries was: left main 12 +/- 6 mm, left anterior descending 149 +/- 25 mm, left circumflex 89 +/- 30 mm, and right coronary artery 161 +/- 38 mm. On average, 97 +/- 5% of the total visualized vessel length was depicted without motion artifacts (left main 100 +/- 0%, left anterior descending 97 +/- 6%, left circumflex 98 +/- 5%, and right coronary artery 95 +/- 6%). In 27 patients with a heart rate < or = 65 bpm, 98 +/- 4% of the overall visualized vessel length was imaged without motion artifacts, whereas 96+/-6% of the overall visualized vessel length was imaged without motion artifacts in 15 patients with a heart rate > 65 bpm (p < 0.001). The mean contrast-to-noise ratio in all measured coronary arteries was 14.6 +/- 4.7 (proximal coronary segments: range 15.1 +/- 4.4 to 16.1 +/- 5.0, distal coronary segments: range 11.4 +/- 4.2 to 15.9 +/- 4.9). In conclusion, 64-slice MDCT permits reliable visualization of the coronary arteries with minimal motion artifacts and high CNR in consecutive patients referred for non-invasive MDCT coronary angiography. Low heart rate is an important prerequisite for excellent image quality.     

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.     

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.     

双源CT冠状动脉成像辐射剂量的优化

目的：探讨使用更窄的曝光时间窗对双源CT冠状动脉成像图像质量和辐射剂量的影响。方法：选择心律稳定、配合屏气在本院行冠状动脉CTA检查者共360例,按心率及扫描方案随机分为5组：当心率＜65次/分时,行回顾性心电门控扫描,用70％-80％曝光时间窗成像冠状动脉（A组）;窄窗方案根据前瞻性心电门控平扫所获得的最佳时相,选择此时相为中心总长1％作为曝光时间窗,行前瞻心电性门控冠状动脉成像（B组）。当心率≥65次/时,行回顾性心电门控扫描,常规使用30％-80％曝光时间窗成像冠状动脉（C组）;窄窗方案根据前瞻性心电门控平扫所获得的最佳时相,以此时相为中心选择总长10％的曝光时间窗,分别用前瞻性心电门控（D 组）和低剂量回顾性心电门控行冠状动脉成像（E组）;分别计算各组平均有效辐射剂量以及冠状动脉图像质量（4分制评分）,并作统计学分析。结果：A 组[（8．11±1．54）mSv]和B组[（3．63±0．82）mSv],C 组[（10．56±2．51）mSv]和 D 组[（4．42±1．16）mSv],D 组[（4．42±1．16）mSv]和E组[（5．43±1．14）mSv]的辐射剂量相比较均有统计学差异（P＜0．05）,采用窄窗方案前瞻性心电门控技术的辐射剂量最少;而各组间图像质量,均无统计学差异（P＞0．05）。结论：前瞻性心电门控通过平扫获得最佳时相,当心率＜65次/分时,选择曝光总长1％的时间窗,而当心率≥65次/分时,选择曝光总长10％的时间窗,能获得高质量的、满足诊断要求的图像,并可有效地降低辐射量。     

A new method for measuring temporal resolution in electrocardiogram-gated reconstruction image with area-detector computed tomography

The purpose of this study was to design and construct a phantom for using motion artifact in the electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated reconstruction image. In addition, the temporal resolution under various conditions was estimated. A stepping motor was used to move the phantom over an arc in a reciprocating manner. The program for controlling the stepping motor permitted the stationary period and the heart rate to be adjusted as desired. Images of the phantom were obtained using a 320-row area-detector computed tomography (ADCT) system under various conditions using the ECG-gated reconstruction method. For estimation, the reconstruction phase was continuously changed and the motion artifacts were quantitatively assessed. The temporal resolution was calculated from the number of motion-free images. Changes in the temporal resolution according to heart rate, rotation time, the number of reconstruction segments and acquisition position in z-axis were also investigated. The measured temporal resolution of ECG-gated half reconstruction is 180 ms, which is in good agreement with the nominal temporal resolution of 175 ms. The measured temporal resolution of ECG-gated segmental reconstruction is in good agreement with the nominal temporal resolution in most cases. The estimated temporal resolution improved to approach the nominal temporal resolution as the number of reconstruction segments was increased. Temporal resolution in changing acquisition position is equal. This study shows that we could design a new phantom for estimating temporal resolution.     

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.     

Assessment of image quality of 64-row Dual Source versus Single Source CT coronary angiography on heart rate: A phantom study

Purpose

To assess the influence of temporal resolution on image quality of computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography by comparing 64-row Dual Source CT (DSCT) and Single Source CT (SSCT) at different heart rates.

Methods

An anthropomorphic moving heart phantom was scanned at rest, and at 50 beats per minute (bpm) up to 110 bpm, with intervals of 10 bpm. 3D volume rendered images and curved multi-planar reconstructions (MPRs) were acquired and image quality of the coronary arteries was rated on a 5-points scale (1 = poor image quality with many artefacts, 5 = excellent image quality) for each heart rate and each scanner by 3 observers. Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test were used to assess clinically relevant differences between both modalities.

Results

The mean image quality scores at 70, 100 and 110 bpm were significantly higher for DSCT compared to SSCT. The overall mean image quality scores for DSCT (4.2 ± 0.6) and SSCT (3.0 ± 1.1) also differed significantly (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These initial results show a clinically relevant overall higher image quality for DSCT compared to SSCT, especially at heart rates of 70, 100 and 110 bpm. With its comparatively high image quality and low radiation dose, DSCT appears to be the method of choice in CT coronary angiography at heart rates above 70 bpm.