Volumetric coronary angiography using the 256-detector row computed tomography scanner: comparison in vivo and in vitro with porcine models

Abstract

To investigate the feasibility of volumetric cine imaging in human cardiac studies by comparing in vivo and in vitro coronary angiography using a 256-detector row computed tomography (CT) without ECG gating. The left and right coronary arteries of two domestic pigs were scanned in vivo and in vitro in cine mode using the 256-detector row CT. The device scanned approximately 100 mm in the cranio-caudal direction with one rotation, with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. The coronary arteries could be observed to the third-degree branches in vitro, but could be visualized clearly only to the proximal portion (first-degree or second-degree branches) in vivo. Application of cardiac volumetric cine imaging with 256-detector row CT may be a promising means of obtaining diagnostic information and has potential for adoption to human studies.