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

Abstract

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.