Electrocardiography-Gated Computed Tomography of the Bronchial Arteries With Iterative Image Reconstruction: Clinical Evaluation and Image Quality.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to apply electrocardiography (ECG)-gated prospective-triggered multidetector row computed tomography angiography with iterative model reconstruction (IMR) to optimize imaging of the bronchial arteries in patients with the chief complaint of hemoptysis. This was a prospective observational study. Between August 2015 and June 2016, we enrolled 31 consecutive patients with the chief complaint of hemoptysis who were scheduled to undergo computed tomography of the bronchial artery. Patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A, with filtered back-projection reconstruction; group B, with iDose reconstruction; and group C, with ECG-gated prospective-triggered multidetector row computed tomography angiography with IMR. Image quality, visibility, and traceability were compared. Image quality, including signal-to-noise and contrast-to-noise ratios, visibility, and traceability, was best in group C. With the help of IMR and ECG-synchronized prospective-triggered technology, the bronchial artery anatomy can be accurately depicted in patients with massive hemoptysis.