High-pitch Coronary CT Angiography Research Articles

Optimization of Kernel Type and Sharpness Level Improves Objective and Subjective Image Quality for High-Pitch Photon Counting Coronary CT Angiography.

(1) Background: Photon-counting detector (PCD) CT offers a wide variety of kernels and sharpness levels for image reconstruction. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine optimal settings for coronary CT angiography (CCTA). (2) Methods: Thirty patients (eight female, mean age 63 ± 13 years) underwent PCD-CCTA in a high-pitch mode. Images were reconstructed using three different kernels and four sharpness levels (Br36/40/44/48, Bv36/40/44/48, and Qr36/40/44/48). To analyze objective image quality, the attenuation, image noise, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and vessel sharpness were quantified in proximal and distal coronaries. For subjective image quality, two blinded readers assessed image noise, visually sharp reproduction of coronaries, and the overall image quality using a five-point Likert scale. (3) Results: Attenuation, image noise, CNR, and vessel sharpness significantly differed across kernels (all p < 0.001), with the Br-kernel reaching the highest attenuation. With increasing kernel sharpness, image noise and vessel sharpness increased, whereas CNR continuously decreased. Reconstruction with Br-kernel generally had the highest CNR (Br > Bv > Qr), except Bv-kernel had a superior CNR at sharpness level 40. Bv-kernel had significantly higher vessel sharpness than Br- and Qr-kernel (p < 0.001). Subjective image quality was rated best for kernels Bv40 and Bv36, followed by Br36 and Qr36. (4) Conclusion: Reconstructions with kernel Bv40 are beneficial to achieve optimal image quality in spectral high-pitch CCTA using PCD-CT.

Pre-procedural high-pitch coronary CT angiography assessment of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) without patient-specific adjustment: analysis of diagnostic performance

To evaluate the ability to assess the coronary arteries using pre-procedural computed tomography (CT; high-pitch mode) in patients referred for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). CT and invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were performed pre-TAVI in 100 patients (46 women; 79±5.9 years). CT was performed in prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch mode after intravenous administration of 70 ml iodinated contrast medium. Image quality was assessed using a four-point scale (graded 0-3). Significant coronary artery stenosis (≥50% diameter) was graded as either present or absent by one observer and in one-third of patients by two observers independently. ICA was the standard of reference. Results were reported per segment and per patient. Twenty-two percent of patients had known coronary artery disease (CAD). In two cases, a coronary anomaly was detected. Diagnostic image quality (grade 1-3) was achieved in 30.3% of segments. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were 75%, 80.5%, 16%, and 98.5%, respectively. Significant coronary stenosis could be ruled out completely in all segments in three patients. The interrater agreement per patient was excellent (kappa=1). Relevant coronary findings can frequently be observed in high-pitch TAVI-planning CT. Despite the limitations of the technique and in patients referred to pre-TAVI evaluation (rapid heart rate, coronary calcifications, etc.), a valid evaluation of coronary arteries is possible in a considerable proportion of segments with a high NPV; however, few studies were completely free of motion artefacts to dependably exclude CAD using this technique in this challenging group of patients.

Systolic High-Pitch Coronary CT Angiography for Evaluation of the Coronary Arteries in Heart Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, image quality, and radiation dose of high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in orthotopic heart transplant (OHT) recipients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Twenty-two consecutive OHT recipients (16 men, six women; median age, 66.5 years [interquartile range, 51.3-70.3 years]; median heart rate, 91 beats/min [interquartile range, 79.3-97.3 beats/min]) underwent CCTA with a third-generation dual-source CT scanner in high-pitch mode to rule out coronary allograft vasculopathy. Data acquisition was triggered at 30% of the R-R interval. Two independent observers blindly assessed image quality on a per-segment, per-vessel, and per-patient basis using a 4-point scale (4, excellent; 1, not evaluative). Scores 2-4 indicated diagnostic quality. Studies were compared with previously performed retrospective ECG-gated examinations, when available. Interobserver agreement on the image quality was assessed with kappa statistics. Radiation dose was recorded. RESULTS. A total of 322 coronary segments were evaluated. Diagnostic image quality was observed in 97.5% of the segments. Interobserver agreement for image quality assessment was very good on a per-patient (κ = 0.82), per-vessel (κ = 0.83), and per-segment basis (κ = 0.89). The median per-patient image quality score was 4.0 (3.0-4.0) for the entire coronary tree. A comparison of image quality scores between high-pitch and retrospective ECG-gated CCTA examinations showed no significant differences, but the estimated mean radiation dose was significantly lower for the high-pitch mode (median dose-length product, 31.6 mGy × cm [interquartile range, 23.1-38.8 mGy × cm] vs 736.5 mGy × cm [interquartile range, 655.5-845.7 mGy × cm], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION. Performing single-heartbeat high-pitch CCTA during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle in OHT recipients results in diagnostic image quality in coronary angiograms at very low radiation dose.

Image quality and diagnostic value of ultra low-voltage, ultra low-contrast coronary CT angiography.

To explore the image quality (IQ) and diagnostic value of 70kVp turbo high-pitch coronary CT angiography (THP-CCTA) using automated tube voltage selection (ATVS) and 30mL of low-concentration contrast agent. Patients who underwent 70kVp THP-CCTA using ATVS with 30mL of contrast agent (group A) were prospectively enrolled, and those who underwent conventional CCTA (100/120kVp, prospective sequential mode with 65-75mL of contrast agent) (group B) were retrospectively selected for study. IQ was assessed subjectively on a 5-point scale, and diagnostic value was assessed based on invasive coronary angiography as the gold standard. Heart rate (HR), HR fluctuation (HRF), body mass index (BMI), effective radiation dose (ED), and iodine uptake (IU) were recorded. A total of 796 patients (398/398 in groups A/B) were included. Between-group differences in age, gender, BMI, HR, HRF, and IQ values were not significant. The ED/IU values were 0.3 ± 0.1mSv/9.0 ± 0.0g and 5.8 ± 1.8mSv/22.9 ± 1.0g in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy of THP-CCTA for the diagnosis of ≥ 50% stenosis were 94.8%, 97.5%, 92.0%, 98.4%, and 96.9% respectively. The mean HR and coronary calcium score were independent predictors of diagnostic image quality, and the best cutoff values were 71.5bpm and 444.1 respectively. This third-generation dual-source CT imaging modality, a 70-kVp THP-CCTA system using ATVS with 30mL of low-concentration contrast agent, produces high-quality images with high diagnostic accuracy for significant stenosis, with ultra low ED and IU. This technique was most promising in individuals with an HR < 71.5bpm and coronary calcium score < 444.1. • Turbo high-pitch CCTA using 70kVp via automated tube voltage selection and 30mL of low-concentration contrast agent is feasible. • This protocol provides high diagnostic accuracy for significant coronary stenosis and reduces radiation doses and iodine uptake significantly. • This protocol was most promising in individuals with an HR < 71.5bpm and coronary calcium score < 444.1.

Optimization of kV Selection on Third-generation High-pitch Dual-source Coronary CT Angiography Using Ultra-low Contrast Media Protocols in Patients with Body Mass Index between 20-30 kg/m2 under Automatic Tube Voltage Selection.

Objective To investigate the application of automatic tube voltage selection (CARE-kV)coronary CT angiography (CCTA)using ultra-low contrast media (CM)protocols in patients with body mass index (BMI)between 20 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2 on third-generation dual-source CT (DSCT). Methods We prospectively included 134 consecutive patients with BMI between 20 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2who underwent CARE-kV prospective high-pitch CCTA on third-generation DSCT using the ultra-low CM protocols and divided them into two groups according to the CARE-kV results:70 kV group(n=91):65 patients with normal BMI(20 kg/m2≤BMI≤25 kg/m2)and 26 patients with high BMI(25 kg/m2<BMI≤30 kg/m2);and 80 kV group(n=43):12 patients with normal BMI and 31 patients with high BMI. The 70 kV group and 80 kV group used the CM protocols of 18 ml(3.0 ml/s) and 21 ml(3.0 ml/s),respectively. The effective dose (ED),objective and subjective image quality (IQ),and results of patients in each group and subgroup were evaluated and compared.ResultsThe ED of 70 kV group was(0.24±0.04)mSv,which was 53% lower(H=3.37,P=0.02)than that of 80 kV group [(0.51±0.05)mSv]. No significant difference of CNR and SNR had been found in normal BMI patients(H=1.81,P=0.23)and high BMI patients (H=0.91,P=0.84)among 70 kV group and 80 kV group,as well as the subjective IQ in normal BMI patients(Z=0.79,P=0.76)and high BMI patients (Z=0.77,P=0.81)among 70 kV group and 80 kV group. Conclusion sWhen patients with BMI between 20 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2 receive CARE-kV prospective high-pitch CCTA on third-generation DSCT,the CARE-kV results for a portion of patients may be higher than other patients with the same BMI level,so as to guarantee the equivalent IQ. The CARE-kV can help to select the patients' optimal tube voltage value more accurately and reasonably.

High-Pitch Coronary CT Angiography at 70 kVp Adopting a Protocol of Low Injection Speed and Low Volume of Contrast Medium.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and image quality (IQ) of prospectively high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with low contrast medium injection rate at 70 kVp.Materials and MethodsOne hundred and four patients with suspected coronary artery disease (body mass index < 26 kg/m2, sinus rhythm and heart rate < 70 beats/min) were prospectively enrolled and randomly divided into two groups. In group A and group B, 28 mL and 40 mL of 370 mgI/mL iodinated contrast media was administrated at a flow rate of 3.5 and 5 mL/s, respectively. CT values, noise, signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of the proximal segments of coronary arteries and subjective IQ were evaluated.ResultsThe CT values and noise in group A were significantly lower than those in group B (434–485 Hounsfield units [HU] vs. 772–851 HU, all p < 0.001; 17.8–22.3 vs. 23.3–26.4, all p < 0.005). The CNRs of the right coronary artery and left main artery showed no statistical difference between the two groups (42.1 ± 13.8 vs. 36.8 ± 16.0, p = 0.074; 38.7 ± 10.6 vs. 38.1 ± 17.0, p = 0.819). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups in IQ scores (3.04 ± 0.75 vs. 3.0 ± 0.79, p = 0.526) and diagnostic ratio (96.1% [50/52] vs. 94.2% [49/52], p = 0.647).ConclusionProspective high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp with 28 mL of contrast media and injection rate of 3.5 mL/s could provide diagnostic IQ for normal-weight patients with heart rate of < 70 beats/min.

Optimizing radiation dose by using advanced modelled iterative reconstruction in high-pitch coronary CT angiography.

To evaluate the potential of advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE) for optimizing radiation dose of high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA). High-pitch 192-slice dual-source CCTA was performed in 25 patients (group 1) according to standard settings (ref. 100 kVp, ref. 270 mAs/rot). Images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and ADMIRE (strength levels 1-5). In another 25 patients (group 2), high-pitch CCTA protocol parameters were adapted according to results from group 1 (ref. 160 mAs/rot), and images were reconstructed with ADMIRE level 4. In ten patients of group 1, vessel sharpness using full width at half maximum (FWHM) analysis was determined. Image quality was assessed by two independent, blinded readers. Interobserver agreements for attenuation and noise were excellent (r = 0.88/0.85, p < 0.01). In group 1, ADMIRE level 4 images were most often selected (84%, 21/25) as preferred data set; at this level noise reduction was 40% compared to FBP. Vessel borders showed increasing sharpness (FWHM) at increasing ADMIRE levels (p < 0.05). Image quality in group 2 was similar to that of group 1 at ADMIRE levels 2-3. Radiation dose in group 2 (0.3 ± 0.1 mSv) was significantly lower than in group 1 (0.5 ± 0.3 mSv; p < 0.05). In a selected population, ADMIRE can be used for optimizing high-pitch CCTA to an effective dose of 0.3 mSv. • Advanced modeled IR (ADMIRE) reduces image noise up to 50% as compared to FBP. • Coronary artery vessel borders show an increasing sharpness at higher ADMIRE levels. • High-pitch CCTA with ADMIRE is possible at a radiation dose of 0.3 mSv.

High-pitch coronary CT angiography with third generation dual-source CT: limits of heart rate

To determine the average heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) required for diagnostic imaging of the coronary arteries in patients undergoing high-pitch CT-angiography (CTA) with third-generation dual-source CT. Fifty consecutive patients underwent CTA of the thoracic (n = 8) and thoracoabdominal (n = 42) aorta with third-generation dual-source 192-slice CT with prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-gating at a pitch of 3.2. No β-blockers were administered. Motion artifacts of coronary arteries were graded on a 4-point scale. Average HR and HRV were noted. The average HR was 66 ± 11 beats per minute (bpm) (range 45-96 bpm); the HRV was 7.3 ± 4.4 bpm (range 3-20 bpm). Interobserver agreement on grade of image quality for the 642 coronary segments evaluated by both observers was good (κ = 0.71). Diagnostic image quality was found for 608 of the 642 segments (95%) in 43 of 50 patients (86%). In 14% of the patients, image quality was nondiagnostic for at least one segment. HR (p = 0.001) was significantly higher in patients with at least one non-diagnostic segment compared to those without. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in HRV between patients with nondiagnostic segments and those with diagnostic images of all segments. All patients with a HR < 70 bpm had diagnostic image quality in all coronary segments. The effective radiation dose and scan time for the heart were 0.4 ± 0.1 mSv and 0.17 ± 0.02 s, respectively. Third-generation dual-source 192-slice CT allows for coronary angiography in the prospectively ECG-gated high-pitch mode with diagnostic image quality at HR up to 70 bpm. HRV is not significantly related to image quality of coronary CTA.

Feasibility of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography with 30 mL iodinated contrast agent at 70 kVp: initial experience.

To evaluate the feasibility, image quality and radiation dose of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) with 30 mL contrast agent at 70 kVp. Fifty-eight patients with suspected coronary artery disease, a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25 kg/m(2), sinus rhythm and a heart rate (HR) of less than 70 beats per minute (bpm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. Thirty mL of 370 mg I/mL iodinated contrast agent was administrated at a flow rate of 5 mL/s. All patients underwent prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA on a second-generation dual-source CT system at 70 kVp using automated tube current modulation. Fifty-six patients (96.6%) had diagnostic CCTA images and two patients (3.4%) had one vessel with poor image quality each rated as non-diagnostic. No significant effects of HR, HR variability and BMI on CCTA image quality were observed (all P > 0.05). Effective dose was 0.17 ± 0.02 mSv and the size-specific dose estimate was 1.03 ± 0.13 mGy. Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp with 30 mL of contrast agent can provide diagnostic image quality at a radiation dose of less than 0.2 mSv in patients with a BMI of less than 25 kg/m(2) and an HR of less than 70 bpm. • Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp/30 mL contrast agent is feasible. • Diagnostic image quality can be obtained at a radiation dose of less than 0.2 mSv. • This protocol is suitable for normal-weight patients with slow heart rate.

High-pitch coronary CT angiography in dual-source CT during free breathing vs. breath holding in patients with low heart rates

BackgroundCoronary CT angiography (CCTA) is usually performed during breath holding to reduce motion artifacts caused by respiration. However, some patients are not able to follow the breathing commands adequately due to deafness, hearing impairment, agitation or pulmonary diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of high-pitch CCTA in free breathing patients when compared to breath holding patients. MethodsIn this study we evaluated 40 patients (20 free breathing and 20 breath holding patients) with a heart rate of 60bpm or below referred for CCTA who were examined on a 2nd generation dual-source CT system. Image quality of each coronary artery segment was rated using a 4-point grading scale (1: non diagnostic–4: excellent). ResultsMean heart rate during image acquisition was 52±5bpm in both groups. There was no significant difference in mean image quality, slightly favoring image acquisition during breath holding (mean image quality score 3.76±0.32 in breath holding patients vs. 3.61±0.45 in free breathing patients; p=0.411). Due to a smaller amount of injected contrast medium, there was a trend for signal intensity to be slightly lower in free breathing patients, but this was not statistically significant (435±123HU vs. 473±117HU; p=0.648). ConclusionIn patients with a low heart rate who are not able to hold their breath adequately, CCTA can also be acquired during free breathing without substantial loss of image quality when using a high pitch scan mode in 2nd generation dual-source CT.

Optimization of scanning protocols in low-dose, prospectively ECG-triggered, high-pitch spiral coronary CT angiography

Optimization of scanning protocols in low-dose, prospectively ECG-triggered, high-pitch spiral coronary CT angiography

Optimizing contrast medium injection protocol individually with body weight for high-pitch prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography

To individually optimize contrast medium protocol for high-pitch prospective ECG-triggering coronary CT angiography using body weight. Ninety patients undergoing high-pitch coronary CT angiography were randomly assigned to 3 contrast medium injection protocols with bolus tracking technique: Group A, 0.7 ml CM per kg patient weight (ml/kg); Group B, 0.6 ml/kg; Group C, 0.5 ml/kg. Each group had 30 patients. The CT values of superior vena cava (SVC), pulmonary artery (PA), ascending aorta (AA), left atrium (LA), left ventricle (LV), left main artery (LM) and proximal segment of right coronary artery (RCA) were measured. The image quality of coronary artery was evaluated on per-segment basis using a 4-point scale (1-excellent, 4-non-diagnosis). The CT value was not significantly different on AA (p = 0.735), LM (p = 0.764), and proximal segment of RCA (p = 0.991). The CT value was significantly different on SVC, PA, LA and LV (all p < 0.05). The mean image quality score was 1.6 ± 0.1, 1.6 ± 0.1 and 1.6 ± 0.1 (p = 0.217). The volume of CM was 47 ± 8, 44 ± 8 and 36 ± 6 ml for 3 groups (p < 0.001). The effective radiation dose was 0.88 ± 0.04, 0.87 ± 0.06, and 0.85 ± 0.07 mSv for 3 groups. Contrast medium could be reduced to 0.5 ml/kg for high-pitch coronary CT angiography without compromising diagnostic image quality, which associated ~50 % reduction of total contrast volume compared with standard contrast protocol with test bolus technique.

THE IMAGE QUALITY AND DIAGNOSTIC ACCURACY OF HIGH-PITCH DUAL-SOURCE CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY USING FLASH SPIRAL MODE IN PATIENTS WITH HIGH HEART RATES

ObjectivesTo investigate the image quality, diagnostic accuracy and radiation doses of prospectively ECG-triggered spiral acquisition mode (Flash Spiral mode) coronary CT angiography (CCTA) using high-pitch dual-source CT in patients with...

Predictors of Image Quality in High-Pitch Coronary CT Angiography

High-pitch coronary CT angiography (CTA) shows an alternative coronary CTA protocol to retrospectively ECG-gated imaging that is associated with a significantly lower radiation exposure. Yet, the diagnostic quality of high-pitch coronary CTA cannot be sufficiently predicted on the basis of heart rate (HR) alone. Thus, we sought to prospectively identify the predictors of diagnostic high-pitch coronary CTA. One hundred consecutive patients (16 women, 84 men; mean age, 67 ± 10 years) without restrictions in HR frequency or variability underwent prospectively ECG-gated high-pitch coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring and coronary CTA using dual-source 128-MDCT. High-pitch CAC was graded on the basis of motion artifacts; high-pitch coronary CTA was graded on the basis of image quality by each of two independent and blinded readers. Predictors of coronary CTA image quality were assessed by multivariate logistic regression, including body mass index, risk of coronary artery disease, Agatston score, HR frequency and variability, and motion artifacts on CAC. If high-pitch coronary CTA was nondiagnostic, the examination was repeated using a retrospectively ECG-gated coronary CTA protocol. HR frequency (66 ± 20 beats per minute [bpm]) and variability (12 ± 10 bpm) during high-pitch coronary CTA was not significantly different from that during high-pitch CAC. Interobserver agreement for image quality reading was good (k = 0.79) for CAC and excellent (k = 0.88) for coronary CTA. High-pitch CAC showed no motion artifacts in 1304 of 1396 segments (93.4%) in 78 of 100 patients. Diagnostic image quality of high-pitch coronary CTA was found in 1413 of 1457 segments (97%) in 82 of 100 patients. Multivariate logistic regression revealed HR frequency (odds ratio, 1.04; p < 0.05) and motion artifacts on preceding high-pitch CAC (odds ratio, 94.55; p < 0.001) as significant independent predictors of image quality of high-pitch coronary CTA. The mean effective radiation doses of high-pitch CAC and coronary CTA were 0.4 ± 0.1 mSv (0.3-0.5 mSv) and 1.0 ± 0.2 mSv (0.8-1.2 mSv; p < 0.001), respectively. HR frequency and motion artifacts on preceding high-pitch CAC represent significant independent predictors of image quality in high-pitch coronary CTA.

Reproducibility of coronary plaque detection and characterization using low radiation dose coronary computed tomographic angiography in patients with intermediate likelihood of coronary artery disease (ReSCAN study)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the interscan, interobserver and intraobserver agreement for coronary plaque detection, and characterization using low radiation dose high-pitch spiral acquisition coronary CT angiography (CTA). Two experienced observers independently evaluated coronary CTA datasets from 50 consecutive patients undergoing two 128-slice dual source CT scans within 12 days. Mean (±SD) estimated radiation exposure was 1.5 ± 0.2 mSv per scan. Observers recorded the presence and characterization of coronary plaques as non-calcified or calcified. A "segment involvement score" (SIS) was computed by summing the numbers of segments with any coronary plaque per patient. Reproducibility was assessed using kappa (κ) statistics, paired t test and Bland-Altman analyses. Interscan, interobserver, and intraobserver agreement (κ-values) for detection of any or calcified plaques were 83-94% (κ-values 0.57-0.85), and 67-84% (0.31-0.67) for non-calcified plaques on a patient level. No significant difference was observed in mean interscan or interobserver SIS. Mean (95% CI) intraobserver SIS difference was -0.88 (-1.25; -0.51), P < 0.001, with limits of agreement from -4.7 to 2.9. Low radiation dose high-pitch coronary CTA permits detection of any or calcified plaques with high interscan, interobserver, intraobserver agreement. However, variability for the detection of non-calcified plaque is substantial.