Abstract 5817.5: Assessment of Global Left Ventricular Function and Volumes with 320-Slice MSCT: A Comparison with 2D Echocardiography

Abstract

Background. Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) has been demonstrated as a feasible imaging modality for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease and left ventricular (LV) function analysis. Recently, 320-slice systems have become available with 16 cm anatomical coverage allowing prospective image acquisition of the entire heart within a single rotation or heart beat. However, limited data are currently available with these systems. The purpose of the present study therefore was to evaluate the accuracy of 320-slice MSCT in the assessment of global LV function as compared to 2-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. Methods. A head-to-head comparison between 320-slice MSCT and 2D echocardiography was performed in 40 patients (24 male; mean age 61 ± 9 years) with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). During intravenous contrast agent administration, the entire heart was imaged in a single heartbeat, using prospective dose modulation (full dose during 65–85% of R-R interval). The following parameters were used: gantry rotation time 350 ms, tube voltage 120 kV, tube current 300–500mA. LV end-diastolic volumes (LVEDV) and LV end-systolic volumes (LVESV) were determined and the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was derived. Two-dimensional echocardiography served as the gold standard. Results. Average LVEF was 59% ± 8% (range 31%–77%) as determined on 2D-echocardiography, compared with 61% ± 8% (range 33%–78%) on MSCT. Evaluation of LVEF by linear regression analysis showed a good correlation between MSCT and 2D-echocardiography (r = 0.84; p < 0.001). A close correlation between MSCT and 2D-echocardiography was also demonstrated for the assessment of LVEDV (r = 0.81; p < 0.001) and LVESV (r = 0.89; p < 0.001). At Bland-Altman analysis, mean differences (± SD) of 20.88 ml ± 23.07 ml (p < 0.01) and 6.83 ml ± 13.01 ml (p < 0.01) were observed between MSCT and 2D-echocardiography for LVEDV and LVESV respectively. As a result, LVEF was slightly overestimated with MSCT (1.98% ± 4.54%; p < 0.01). Conclusion. Accurate assessment of LV function and volumes is feasible with 320-slice MSCT in patients with known or suspected CAD.