Coronary artery calcification: effect of size of field of view on multi-detector row CT measurements

The effect of the size of the field of view (FOV) on coronary artery calcium measurements at multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) was assessed. Coronary multi-detector row CT was performed with an identical protocol in 100 consecutive subjects. CT images were reconstructed at different FOV sizes (210, 260, and 310 mm). Calcified coronary lesions were detected in all three image sets in 52 subjects. The FOV sizes tested for multi-detector row CT coronary screening had a negligible effect on coronary artery calcium measurements (P >/=.06). However, risk stratification decreased by one level in seven of 52 subjects when the FOV increased from 210 or 260 to 310 mm.