MDCT of the myocardium: a new contribution to ischemic heart disease

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the progress made in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of death worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) provides several diagnostic insights, namely assessment of coronary artery anatomy and measurement of left ventricular volume and function. The ability of CT to show myocardial infarcted areas as an enhanced territory was described in the late 1970s in an animal model. RESULTS: This method found a second wind with the arrival of MDCT technology that led to its clinical application. Several authors describe the ability of MDCT to assess myocardial injury both in animals and humans. The MDCT assessment of myocardial late enhancement is based on the same principle as delayed enhancement MRI. CONCLUSIONS: The aim of this review is to cover the technical aspects of cardiac MDCT in assessing the myocardium and its potential in diagnosing ischemic heart disease.