CT of Cardiac Function

Abstract

Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) can play a role in diagnosis of coronary artery disease and in the assessment of left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle global function, with initial good correlation results with standard modalities. With the latest scanners, regional LV contractility with both qualitative and quantitative assessment has become possible. MDCT function evaluation by specific postprocessing software can be performed considering simultaneously different parameters plus the subjective visual perception of anomalies on 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cine-loop models. MDCT's ability to make high-resolution 3-dimensional reconstructions throughout the cardiac cycle allows this imaging modality to evaluate both coronary and LV anatomy and morphology, and also LV functional parameters. The ability to provide functional information of the right ventricle represents another important application of MDCT both in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and with congenital cardiovascular disease. Initial results on accuracy are promising and the clinical applicability of MDCT should rapidly increase.