64-slice Multislice Computed Tomography Research Articles

Multislice computed tomography of potential liver donors

Objective: Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) prior to liver transplantation is an important aspect of the diagnosis of changes in the liver as fat infltration, as well as visualization of the individual vascular anatomy and calculation of liver volume. The aim of our study was to analyze the results of the single center experience to conduct liver MSCT of donors who are preparing for the transplant donation. Methods: We studied the MSCT evaluation results of 39 (25 male and 14 female) potential liver donors’ during the 2015 - 2016 years. Liver MSCT with various standard renovations were used for more detailed visualization of blood vessels in each liver segment. Images were obtained on 64-slice MSCT (Aquilion; Toshiba Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan). Interpretation of the results provided in accordance with embodiments of origin of the hepatic artery, portal vein anatomy and drainage of the hepatic veins. Results: The main results of the anatomy of the hepatic artery, portal and hepatic veins are shown in Table 1, 2, 3. Based on the MSCT of 39 donor’s liver, 24 donors were identifed as appropriate for donation. 15 donors were contraindicated for donation due to: in 8 - were signs of fatty infltration, 2 donors - vascular anomaly of the portal vein, benign growths were detected in 5 donors. Conclusion: MSCT is a primary diagnostic method for the preoperative planning of surgical resection of the liver, as well as preliminary identifcation of hepatic pathology. According to the results and experience of our center, in 61.5% cases, liver donors were selected for donation and remaining 38.5% of the donors were excluded from organ donation, in connection with the identifed contraindications.

MULTISLICE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY IN PATIENTS WITH ANGINA PECTORIS

Aim. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a non-invasive method for the heart and coronary arteries imaging. The aim of the research was to establish the diagnostic exactness of MSCT in the revelation of significant coronary artery disease in patients with angina pectoris, using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of coronary arteries as the gold standard. Material and methods. In 78 (56 men, 22 women; average age 64,3±11 years), patients with clinical signs of angina pectoris were done examination of the coronary arteries on 64-slice MSCT in order to detect significant stenoses (>50% luminal narrowing). MSCT of coronary arteries was compared with the invasive coronary angiography. Results. In 78 patients, 864 segments of coronary arteries were available for evaluation. In all segments of coronary arteries, invasive coronary angiography identified 51 lesions. Forty-five lesions were detected by MSCT. The matching sensitivity and specificity were 88% and 97%. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values in a patient-per-patient analysis were 93%, 93%, 90%, and 96%, respectively. False-negative results — Seventeen segments of coronary arteries with diameter reduction in range 51% to 75% were missed on the MSCT scan. The major of the missed lesions were located in the left anterior descedenting artery and the left circumflex artery (small side branches). Four segments were missed because of severe calcifications and five because of motion artifacts. False-positive results — Thirty nine segments were incorrectly classified as significantly because of overestimation. Conclusion. MSCT coronary angiography is an effective, fast, reliable and noninvasive method for the analysis of the coronary arteries. The best results were obtained in patients with healthy coronary arteries (high percentage of negative predictive value), which can significantly reduce the number of invasive coronary angiography. With the improvement of technical characteristics, CT is gaining more importance in the analysis of coronary stenoses and analysis of atherosclerotic plaque.

64-multyslice computed tomography: detection of coronary artery disease in patients with ischemic heart disease

At present time, the death rate from cardiovascular disease occupies leading position in the structure of total mortality worldwide. The opportunity to conduct non-invasive studies of the coronary arteries has appeared through the development and implementation of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) into medical practice, which carry 64 or more sections.Aim. The purpose of this research is the identification of diagnostic capabilities of 64-slice MSCT in the verification of the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with proven coronary artery disease.Methods and results. The study has been conducted on a 64-slice CT scanner Optima 660 (GE, USA). The degree of stenosis and calcification of the coronary arteries and also central hemodynamics have been studied. The analysis of survey results of 65 patients with coronary heart disease (30.8% of patients had a history of myocardial infarction) has been carried out. The average age of patients in observation group was 60.2 ± 10.56 years. Male patients were dominated (75.4%). According to the 64-slice MSCT it has been found that coronary artery stenosis occurs ≥ 50% in 90.0% of patients with myocardial infarction, and in 32.5% of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. Conclusion. Therefore, MSCT has sufficient specificity in the diagnosis of occlusive and stenotic lesions of the coronary arteries, and can be used for screening patients with suspected coronary artery disease.

Impact of sirolimus-eluting stent fractures without early cardiac events on long-term clinical outcomes: A multislice computed tomography study

This study sought to evaluate the impact of sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) fractures on long-term clinical outcomes using multislice computed tomography (MSCT). In this study, 528 patients undergoing 6- to 18-month follow-up 64-slice MSCT after SES implantation without early clinical events were followed clinically (the median follow-up interval was 4.6 years). A CT-detected stent fracture was defined as a complete gap with Hounsfield units (HU) <300 at the site of separation. The major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiac death, stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularisation, were compared according to the presence of stent fracture. Stent fractures were observed in 39 patients (7.4 %). MACEs were more common in patients with CT-detected stent fractures than in those without (46 % vs. 7 %, p < 0.01). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated a significant relationship between MACE and stent fracture [hazard ratio (HR) 7.65; p < 0.01], age (HR 1.03; p = 0.04), stent length (HR 1.03; p < 0.01), diabetes mellitus (HR 1.77; p = 0.04), and chronic total occlusion (HR 2.54; p = 0.01). In the multivariate model, stent fracture (HR 5.36; p < 0.01) and age (HR 1.03; p = 0.04) remained significant predictors of MACE. An SES fracture detected by MSCT without early clinical events was associated with long-term clinical adverse events. • Long-term outcomes of sirolimus-eluting stent fracture have not been fully clarified. • MSCT could detect stent fracture with high accuracy. • Sirolimus-eluting stent fracture detected by MSCT was associated with long-term adverse events.

Clinical usefulness of the 16-slice computed tomography coronary angiography for evaluation of early phase intracoronary stent patency

Coronary artery stenting is currently treatment of choice for management of coronary artery disease. Stent restenosis is the most important problem during follow up. Conventional coronary angiography is the gold standart for assessment of intracoronary stent patency. It is an invasive method and even though rare, has some significant risks. For this reason, noninvasive imaging methods are necessary to evaluate stent potency. Noninvasive methods such as the exercise test, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy and stress echocardiography could not reach enough diagnostic accuracy. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) has been under investigation for stent restenosis detection. Aim of this study is to investigate usefulness of the 16-slice CT for evaluation of stent potency in patients with suspicion of stent restenosis. Thirty six patients were included in the study and 16-slice CT and conventional coronary angiographies were performed in all patients. The results of 16-slice CT and conventional coronary angiography were compared. Sufficient or good quality imaging with 16-slice CT angiography was obtained in 69% of all patients. Sixteen-slice CT angiography detected 42/49 (86%) stents and gave the correct localization for all of the detected stents. Stent lumen could be assessed in 30 (61%) stents and according to the results of luminal assessment, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of 16-slice MSCT were calculated as 33%, 95%, 75%, 77% and 77%, respectively. According to these results, the diagnostic performance of 16-slice CT angiography for detection of stent restenosis was relatively low. However, the assessment of relatively small number of stents because of insufficient heart rate control did not allow reliable and precise evaluation. Our results showed that diagnostic capacity of 16 slice CT angiography for detection of coronary stent restenosis is limited.

Comparison between cone beam computed tomography and multislice computed tomography in diagnostic accuracy of maxillofacial fractures in dried human skull: an in vitro study

The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in diagnosing factitious fractures in maxillofacial region as well as to investigate the influence of field of view (FOV) size on the interpretation of maxillofacial fractures in CBCT. Simulated fractures were created in the right and left sides of five dried human skulls using a micro-saw 20mm blade without displacement. The skulls were scanned with a spiral 16-slice MSCT scanner and a CBCT device with two FOVs (6×6, 15×15). Three observers assessed and interpreted the images judging whether fracture was present or absent. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were calculated. The sensitivity of CBCT 6×6, CBCT 15×15, and MSCT was 87.5%, 70.7%, and 49.7% and the specificity of three modalities was 91.7%, 88.0%, and 98.3%, respectively. The area under ROC curve was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.85, 0.94) for CBCT with FOV 6×6, 0.79 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.85) for CBCT with FOV 15×15, and 0.74 (95% CI: 0.69, 0.79) for MSCT. The Kappa value for interobserver agreement was highest for CBCT 6×6 among imaging modalities. CBCT with small FOV had higher diagnostic accuracy in detecting simulated maxillofacial fractures than MSCT. However, additional evidence based on in vivo studies is needed to confirm the superiority of CBCT on MSCT in diagnosis of maxillofacial traumatic fractures.

Optimal visualization of heart vessels before percutaneous mitral annuloplasty

Multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) can be useful before percutaneous mitral annuloplasty (PMA) procedures to visualize the relations between the mitral valve (MV), left circumflex artery (LCx) and coronary sinus (CS). We performed a 64-slice MSCT in 196 patients (109 male; age 56.6 ± 11.4) with suspected coronary artery disease. A retrospective scan with ECG-gating was performed in each. In each case 3D VR and 2D MPR reconstructions were created. We used a subjective assessment of the quality of visualization to find the optimal phases of visualization for LCx, CS and both vessels together (relations). The quality of visualization were graded by 2 experts on 6-points scale. LCx was usually optimally visualized in the diastolic phases (70-80-90%) - 126/196 (64.3%). CS was usually optimally visualized in the systolic phases (30-40-50%) - 177/196 (90.3%). The optimal phase for parallel visualization of LCx/CS (to observe anatomical relations) was 70-80% - 140/196 (71.4%). Good quality visualization was obtained for both vessels: LCx: 3.6 ± 1.4/CS: 4.1 ± 1.1. Reconstructions of parallel visualization of LCx/CS for PMA procedures to observe the relations between those vessels should be considered during diastole. In addition, independent reconstructions should also be performed optimized for the LCx and the CS.

Impact of epicardial fat volume on coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients with a zero calcium score

BackgroundThis study sought to evaluate the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and the impact of epicardial fat volume (EFV) on CAD in symptomatic patients with a zero calcium score (CS) using multislice computed tomography (MSCT). MethodsIn this study, 1308 consecutive symptomatic patients who underwent 64-slice MSCT with a zero CS were evaluated. EFV was quantified with CS data sets. Presence of an obstructive plaque (diameter stenosis >50%) and a CT-derived vulnerable plaque, which was defined as a plaque with remodeling index >1.10 and mean CT density value <30HU, was assessed with a CT coronary angiography. ResultsObstructive plaques were detected in 86 patients (7%) and CT-derived vulnerable plaques in 63 (5%). EFV was larger in patients with obstructive plaques than no plaque (124.3±43.2cm3 vs. 95.1±40.3cm3; p<0.01). Patients with CT-derived vulnerable plaques had a greater amount of EFV than no plaque (133.0±40.2cm3 vs. 95.1±40.3cm3; p<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed EFV as a predictor of the presence of an obstructive and a CT-derived vulnerable plaque (per 10cm3; Odds ratio (OR) 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.16; p<0.01 and OR 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12-1.27; p<0.01). The combination of EFV and Framingham risk score (FRS) resulted in an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve for prediction of obstructive and CT-derived vulnerable plaque of 0.75 and 0.75, which was significantly higher than 0.68 and 0.64 for FRS alone (p=0.02 and p<0.01). ConclusionsA zero CS doesn't exclude CAD and EFV can be a useful marker of CAD in symptomatic zero CS patients.

Accuracy of multislice computed tomography in the preoperative assessment of coronary disease in patients scheduled for heart valve surgery

Coronary angiography (CA), an invasive and expensive procedure, is still recommended in most patients referred for elective valve surgery. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) is a promising alternative technique to rule out significant coronary artery lesions. To evaluate MSCT in detecting significant coronary artery lesions in patients referred for elective valve surgery. Between August 2007 and December 2010, patients referred for elective valve surgery were identified prospectively and underwent 64-slice MSCT and CA. We compared significant coronary stenoses, defined as a reduction of luminal diameter ≥ 50%, to establish the diagnostic accuracy of MSCT. All coronary segments were analysed and uninterpretable lesions were scored positive. Forty-eight patients were included (62.5% male; mean age 65 ± 12 years), the majority had aortic insufficiency (37.7%) or aortic stenosis (32.0%). The prevalence of significant coronary artery stenoses was 27.1%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of MSCT were 77%, 89%, 71% and 91%, respectively, in a patient-based analysis; 82%, 86%, 64% and 94% in a revascularization-based analysis; 67%, 94%, 52% and 97% in a vessel-based analysis; and 65%, 98%, 52% and 99% in a segment-based analysis. Overall, CA could have been avoided in 65% of patients. In patients referred for elective valve surgery, MSCT had a high diagnostic accuracy to rule out significant coronary stenoses. However, larger multicenter studies in an unselected population of patients are needed to determine its place within the range of diagnostic tool in the preoperative assessment of valvular heart disease.

Comparison of In Vivo Assessment of Vulnerable Plaque by 64-Slice Multislice Computed Tomography Versus Optical Coherence Tomography

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of 64-slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT) to detect vulnerable plaque derived by optical coherence tomography. From September 2007 through December 2009, 122 lesions in 81 patients were evaluated by 64-slice MSCT and optical coherence tomography. Based on optical coherence tomographic findings, lesions were classified as thin-capped fibroatheroma (TCFA; n=37) and non-TCFA (n=85). Mean computed tomographic density value of the lesion was lower and remodeling index was larger in the TCFA group (44.9 ± 19.2 vs 78.7 ± 25.0 HU, p <0.0001; 1.14 ± 0.20 vs 0.95 ± 0.16, p<0.0001, respectively). Mean computed tomographic density value was correlated and remodeling index was inversely correlated with fibrous cap thickness (r=0.605, p<0.0001; r=-0.591, p<0.0001, respectively). Optimal threshold of mean computed tomographic value and remodeling index identified by receiver operating characteristic curve were 62.4 HU and 1.08 (area under the curve 0.859 and 0.781). Signet ringlike appearance was observed more frequently in the TCFA group (65% vs 16%, p<0.0001). In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of TCFA were mean computed tomographic density value ≤62.4 HU (odds ratio 8.20, 95% confidential interval 2.49 to 27.0, p=0.0005), remodeling index ≥1.08 (odds ratio 6.10, 95% confidential interval 2.04 to 18.2, p=0.0012), and signet ringlike appearance (odds ratio 6.33, 95% confidential interval 2.03 to 19.7, p=0.0014). In conclusion, based on comparisons with optical coherence tomographic findings, 64-slice MSCT may have the potential to detect vulnerable plaque.

Coronary sinus ostium: the key structure in the heart’s anatomy from the electrophysiologist’s point of view

There are no research studies that comprehensively analyze, with computed tomography, the coronary sinus (CS) ostium with respect to its importance for some electrophysiological procedures paying special attention to the Thebesian valve (ThebV). Our aim was to evaluate the characteristic features of the CS anatomy, which can be useful for electrophysiologists using multislice computed tomography (MSCT). An additional aim was to create a tomographic classification of ThebV types. Included into the study were 150 patients (aged 59.7 ± 11.4; 105M) (43 with heart failure). Due to the suspicion of coronary artery disease, 64-slice MSCT (Toshiba, Aquilion 64) was performed in all patients. All measurements and the search for the ThebV were performed on multiplanar reconstructions in axial projection at 0.5-mm slice thickness. The average diameter of CS ostium was 14.2 ± 3.5 mm and the angle of entrance of the CS to the right atrium was 112° ± 11°. Seven variants of the ThebV were introduced and six of them were confirmed in this group. The following frequency of variants of ThebV was confirmed: E, 11.3%; D, 10.6%; A1, 8.7%; A2, 7.4%; C, 6.0%; B2, 2.0%. A statistically significant correlation between age and the size of CS ostium was found (r = 0.25; p < 0.05). It is possible to visualize and evaluate the CS including measurements and ThebV evaluation in MSCT. Six anatomical variants of the valve were found. MSCT can potentially provide valuable knowledge before the CS cannulation.

Small coronary calcifications are not detectable by 64-slice contrast enhanced computed tomography

Recently, small calcifications have been associated with unstable plaques. Plaque calcifications are both in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) easily recognized. However, smaller calcifications might be missed on MSCT due to its lower resolution. Because it is unknown to which extent calcifications can be detected with MSCT, we compared calcification detection on contrast enhanced MSCT with IVUS. The coronary arteries of patients with myocardial infarction or unstable angina were imaged by 64-slice MSCT angiography and IVUS. The IVUS and MSCT images were registered and the arteries were inspected on the presence of calcifications on both modalities independently. We measured the length and the maximum circumferential angle of each calcification on IVUS. In 31 arteries, we found 99 calcifications on IVUS, of which only 47 were also detected on MSCT. The calcifications missed on MSCT (n = 52) were significantly smaller in angle (27° ± 16° vs. 59° ± 31°) and length (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 3.7 ± 2.2 mm) than those detected on MSCT. Calcifications could only be detected reliably on MSCT if they were larger than 2.1 mm in length or 36° in angle. Half of the calcifications seen on the IVUS images cannot be detected on contrast enhanced 64-slice MSCT angiography images because of their size. The limited resolution of MSCT is the main reason for missing small calcifications.

Evaluation of coronary in-stent restenosis by 64-slice computed tomography in patients with optimal heart rate control by systematic administration of beta-blocker drugs

Imaging artifacts due to metallic stent struts can reduce the diagnostic accuracy of multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in the evaluation of in-stent restenosis (ISR). Our aim was to determine the accuracy of binary ISR exclusion using a 64-slice MSCT scanner and a systematic administration of beta-blockers having an aggressive heart rate (HR) control. We performed 64-slice MSCT in 218 consecutive patients revascularized by stenting. All patients were treated with oral/intravenous beta-blocker drugs in order to obtain a HR less than 65 beats/min in the prescan phase. Coronary stents were evaluated by two experienced observers in order to rule out the presence of significant (>50%) ISR. Quantitative conventional coronary angiography (CCA) served as a standard for reference. Five patients (2.3%) were excluded from the analysis; mean HR was 59 +/- 3 beats/min in the prescan phase and 62 +/- 5 beats/min during acquisition. In the 321 stented coronary segments, CCA found 27 significant ISRs. MSCT correctly diagnosed 26 significant ISRs, with two false-positive and one false-negative case. In a per-segment analysis, the sensitivity was 96%, specificity 99%, positive predictive value (PPV) 92.8%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 99%. In a per-patient analysis, the sensitivity was 100%, specificity 98.9%, PPV 92.8%, and NPV 100%. In our study, the evaluation of significant ISR by MSCT showed an excellent diagnostic accuracy with a PPV of 92.8% and a NPV of 99%. Selection criteria and radiation exposure can be considered a limitation of the method.

Assessment With Multi-Slice Computed Tomography and Gray-Scale and Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound of Gender-Specific Differences in Extent and Composition of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaques in Relation to Age

Data evaluating gender- and age-specific differences in plaque observations on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) are scarce. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate coronary plaque patterns in men and women in relation to age using MSCT. The findings were compared to observations on grayscale intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and virtual histology (VH) IVUS. In total, 93 patients (59 men, 34 women) underwent 64-slice MSCT followed by conventional coronary angiography with IVUS. Plaque extent and composition were assessed on MSCT, grayscale IVUS, and VH IVUS. Coronary plaque patterns were compared between men and women in 2 age groups (<65 and >or=65 years old). In patients aged <65 years, more plaques were observed on MSCT in men (6 +/- 4 vs 2 +/- 2 in women, p <0.001). Also, a larger plaque burden was observed on grayscale IVUS in men (45.7 +/- 11.4% vs 36.3 +/- 11.6% in women, p <0.001). Similarly, more mixed plaques were observed in men (3 +/- 3 vs 1 +/- 1 in women, p = 0.003), whereas a larger arc of calcium was detected on grayscale IVUS in men (91.7 +/- 93.5 degrees vs 25.7 +/- 51.0 degrees in women, p <0.001). On VH IVUS, the prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma was higher in men (31% vs 0%) compared to women. In patients aged >or=65 years old, no important differences in plaque patterns were observed between men and women. In conclusion, more extensive atherosclerosis and more calcified lesions were observed in men than in women. These differences were predominantly present in patients aged <65 years and were lost in those aged >or=65 years.

Combined non-invasive anatomical and functional assessment with MSCT and MRI for the detection of significant coronary artery disease in patients with an intermediate pre-test likelihood

ObjectivesTo compare magnetic resonance myocardial perfusion imaging (MRI) with anatomical assessment by multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography and conventional coronary angiography.Design and patientsIn this prospective study, 53 patients (60%...

Head-to-head comparison between bicycle exercise testing and coronary calcium score and coronary stenoses on multislice computed tomography

To perform a head-to-head comparison between signs of ischemia during bicycle exercise testing and coronary atherosclerosis on multislice computed tomography (MSCT) in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Two hundred and one patients underwent exercise testing, followed by 64-slice MSCT. A subgroup of 63 (31%) patients also underwent conventional coronary angiography. The exercise test was positive or negative based on electrocardiographic signs of ischemia. On MSCT, total calcium score was obtained. Based on MSCT angiography, the patients were classified as having normal MSCT or coronary atherosclerosis [with nonobstructive and obstructive CAD (>/=50% luminal narrowing) present]. In 178 patients with interpretable examinations, the exercise test was positive in 36 (20%) and negative in 142 (80%) patients. Calcium score was identical in patients with a positive [median (interquartile range) 11 (0-343)] and a negative exercise test [18 (0-335), P=NS]. The prevalence of nonobstructive CAD was the same in two patients groups [13 (36%) patients with a positive vs. 54 (38%) patients with a negative exercise test, P=NS]. Although obstructive CAD was observed in 15 (42%) patients having a positive exercise test, obstructive lesions were also present in 38 (27%) patients without ischemia on exercise testing. The findings were confirmed by conventional coronary angiography. No correlation was observed between ischemia on exercise testing and both calcium scoring and nonobstructive CAD on MSCT. A large proportion of obstructive lesions on MSCT were not observed on exercise testing. Potentially, MSCT may provide additional information on CAD.

Type 2 diabetes is associated with more advanced coronary atherosclerosis on multislice computed tomography and virtual histology intravascular ultrasound

BackgroundData on coronary plaque observations on multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) in patients with type 2 diabetes are scarce. Methods and ResultsIn total, 60 patients (19 with diabetes) underwent 64-slice MSCT, followed by conventional coronary angiography with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Non-invasively, the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and 3 plaque types (non-calcified, calcified, mixed) were visually evaluated on MSCT. Invasively, plaque burden was assessed on gray-scale IVUS. Plaque composition was evaluated on virtual histology intravascular ultrasound (VH IVUS). Concerning geometrical plaque data, diabetic patients showed more plaques on MSCT (7.1 ± 3.2 vs 4.9 ± 3.2 in non-diabetic patients, P = .01). On gray-scale IVUS, diabetes was associated with a larger plaque burden (48.7 ± 10.7% vs 40.0 ± 12.1%, P = .003). Concerning plaque composition, diabetes was associated with more calcified plaques on MSCT (52% vs 24%). Relatively more fibrocalcific plaques in diabetic patients (29% versus 9%) were observed on VH IVUS. Moreover, these plaques contained more necrotic core (10.8 ± 5.9% vs 8.6 ± 5.2%, P= .01). ConclusionA higher plaque extent and more calcified lesions were observed in diabetic patients on MSCT. The findings were confirmed on gray-scale and VH IVUS. Thus, MSCT may potentially be used to explore patterns of coronary atherosclerosis in diabetic patients.

Assessment of Mitral Valve Anatomy and Geometry With Multislice Computed Tomography

The purpose of the present study was to assess the anatomy and geometry of the mitral valve by using 64-slice multislice computed tomography (MSCT). Because it yields detailed anatomic information, MSCT may provide more insight into the underlying mechanisms of functional mitral regurgitation (FMR). In 151 patients, including 67 patients with heart failure (HF) and 29 patients with moderate to severe FMR, 64-slice MSCT coronary angiography was performed. The anatomy of the subvalvular apparatus of the mitral valve was assessed; mitral valve geometry, comprising the mitral valve tenting height and leaflet tethering, was evaluated at the anterolateral, central, and posteromedial levels. In the majority of patients, the anatomy of the subvalvular apparatus was highly variable because of multiple anatomic variations in the posterior papillary muscle (PM): the anterior PM had a single insertion, whereas the posterior PM showed multiple heads and insertions (n = 114; 83%). The assessment of mitral valve geometry demonstrated that patients with HF with moderate to severe FMR had significantly increased posterior leaflet angles and mitral valve tenting heights at the central (44.4 degrees +/- 11.9 degrees vs. 37.1 degrees +/- 9.0 degrees, p = 0.008; 6.6 +/- 1.4 mm/m(2) vs. 5.3 +/- 1.3 mm/m(2), p < 0.0001, respectively) and posteromedial levels (35.9 degrees +/- 10.6 degrees vs. 26.8 degrees +/- 10.1 degrees, p = 0.04; 5.4 +/- 1.6 mm/m(2) vs. 4.1 +/- 1.2 mm/m(2), p < 0.0001, respectively), as compared with patients with HF without FMR. In addition, a more outward displacement of the PMs, reflected by a higher mitral valve sphericity index, was observed in patients with HF with FMR (1.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.3, p = 0.004). Mitral valve tenting height at the central level and mitral valve sphericity index were the strongest determinants of FMR severity. MSCT provides anatomic and geometric information on the mitral valve apparatus. In patients with HF with moderate to severe FMR, a more pronounced tethering of the mitral leaflets at the central and posteromedial levels was demonstrated using MSCT.

Successful Deployment of a Transcatheter Aortic Valve in Bicuspid Aortic Stenosis

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has recently emerged as a therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered inoperable.1 To avoid potential complications related to this novel procedure (such as coronary artery obstruction or perivalvular leakage), detailed information on the aortic valve anatomy is critically important.1,2 Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) enables a comprehensive 3D assessment of aortic valve anatomy and, particularly, the extent and location of valve calcifications, one of the reasons for inappropriate deployment of the valved stent together with the bicuspid anatomy.3 After TAVR, the positioning and deployment of the valve prosthesis can be evaluated by this imaging technique. This report concerns a 54-year-old woman with symptomatic bicuspid aortic valve stenosis (aortic valve area, 0.9 cm2). Comorbidity included hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Importantly, 2 years earlier, the patient experienced a cerebrovascular accident with severe consequences that determined a high risk for cardiac surgery. Consequently, the …

Prevalence of coronary artery disease across the Framingham risk categories: coronary artery calcium scoring and MSCT coronary angiography

BackgroundNon-invasive assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis by means of coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) and multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography could improve patients’ risk stratification. However, data relating observations on CACS and MSCT coronary angiography to traditional risk assessment are scarce. Methods and ResultsIn 314 consecutive outpatients (54 ± 13 years, 56% males) without known CAD, CACS and 64-slice MSCT coronary angiography were performed. According to the Framingham risk score (FRS), 51% of patients were at low, 24% at intermediate and 25% at high risk, respectively. MSCT angiograms showing atherosclerosis were classified as showing obstructive (≥50% luminal narrowing) CAD or not. Both CACS and MSCT coronary angiography showed a high prevalence of normal coronary arteries in low FRS patients (70% and 61%, respectively). An increase in the prevalence of CACS >400 (4% low vs 19% intermediate vs 36% high), CAD (39% low vs 79% intermediate vs 91% high), and obstructive CAD (15% low vs 43% intermediate vs 58% high) was observed across the FRS categories (P < .0001 for all comparisons). ConclusionsA strong positive relationship exists between FRS and the prevalence and extent of atherosclerosis. Especially in intermediate FRS patients, CACS and MSCT coronary angiography provide useful information on the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis.