Image Quality Of Coronary Arteries Research Articles

Feasibility of Low-Dose Contrast Medium High Pitch CT Angiography for the Combined Evaluation of Coronary, Head and Neck Arteries

PurposeTo evaluate the image quality and radiation dose of combined heart, head, and neck CT angiography (CTA) using prospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered high-pitch spiral scan protocol, compared with single coronary CTA.Materials and Methods151 consecutive patients were prospectively included and randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n = 47) underwent combined heart, neck, and head CTA using prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch spiral (Flash) scan protocol with a single-phase intravenous injection of iodinated contrast and saline flush; Group 2 (n = 51) underwent single coronary CTA with Flash scan protocol; and Group 3 (n = 53) underwent single coronary CTA with prospective sequence scan protocol. All patients were examined on a dual source CT (Definition FLASH). The image quality was determined for each CT study.ResultsPatients of scanning protocol Group 1, 2, and 3 showed no significant differences in age, sex, heart rates, and BMI. Evaluation of coronary artery image quality showed comparable results in the three scanning protocol groups on a per patient-based analysis. In group 1, image quality was found to be sufficient to be diagnostic in all arterial segments of carotid arteries. The mean dose-length product (DLP) for group 1 was 256.3±24.5 mGy×cm and was significantly higher in comparison with group 2 (93.4±19.9 mGy×cm; p < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference of DLP between group 1 and group 3 (254.1±69.9 mGy×cm).ConclusionsThe combined heart, neck, and head arteries scan using prospectively electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered high-pitch spiral scan protocol in 1 single examination resulted in an excellent opacification of the aorta, the carotid arteries, and the coronary arteries and provided a good image quality with low radiation dose.

Impact of a New Motion-Correction Algorithm on Image Quality of Low-Dose Coronary CT Angiography in Patients with Insufficient Heart Rate Control

Prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) triggering allows coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scanning with low radiation dose but requires heart rates below 63 beats/min. We assessed the impact of a novel vendor-specific motion-correction algorithm on image quality and interpretability of low-dose CCTA acquired despite insufficient heart rate control. In 40 patients undergoing CCTA for the assessment of known or suspected coronary artery disease who did not reach the target heart rate below 63 beats/min despite β-blockade before prospective low-dose scanning, the temporal acquisition window was increased (80 ms additional padding). The new algorithm detects and integrates vessel path and velocity from adjacent cardiac phases for motion correction. Two blinded observers assessed image quality on a 4-point Likert scale (1, nonevaluative; 2, reduced but evaluative; 3, good; and 4, excellent) and the fraction of interpretable segments (score 2 or more) using motion correction versus standard reconstruction. Image reconstruction with motion correction resulted in an increased median coronary artery image quality score (excellent interobserver agreement, κ = 0.85) compared to standard reconstruction (3.4 vs. 3.0, P < .001). Consequently, motion-corrected reconstruction significantly improved the overall interpretability of coronary arteries (from 78% to 88%, P < .001). Estimated mean effective radiation dose was 2.3 ± 0.8 mSv. A novel, vendor-specific, motion-corrected, reconstruction algorithm improves image quality and interpretability of prospectively ECG-triggered low-dose CCTA despite insufficient heart rate control.

Congenital anomalies of coronary arteries in complex congenital heart disease: Diagnosis and analysis with dual-source CT

BackgroundCongenital heart diseases (CHDs) are sometimes associated with coronary artery anomalies (CAAs). Accurate preoperative evaluation of coronary artery anatomy is essential for successful surgical repair of complex CHD. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of congenital CAAs in patients with complex CHD at dual-source CT. MethodsFour hundred seventeen consecutive patients with complex CHD underwent contrast-enhanced cardiac CT angiography. The results were retrospectively analyzed, including the types and incidences of CAAs in various forms of complex CHD. Each patient was analyzed independently by 2 experienced cardiovascular radiologists. Image quality of coronary arteries was assessed on a 5-point scale with 2 or less being nondiagnostic. ResultsThirty-five of 417 studies were nondiagnostic (8.39%). Sixty-three cases of CAA (15.11%) were detected by anomalous ostia and coronary arteries. CAA was involved in 6 of 108 patients with tetralogy of Fallot (5.56%), 18 of 84 patients with double outlet right ventricle (21.43%), 11 of 97 patients with pulmonary artery atresia (11.34%), 7 of 36 patients with transposition of the great arteries (22.22%), 15 of 41 patients with single ventricle (36.59%), 4 of 12 patients with truncus arteriosus/aortopulmonary window (33.33%), and 2 of 39 patients with interruption of the aortic arch/coarctation of the aorta (5.13%). Twenty of these were accompanied with an anomalous coronary course (31.74%). ConclusionPatients with complex CHD have a higher prevalence of CAAs, which should be considered before surgery. Dual-source CT is an effective technique to visualize and evaluate complex CHD.

Electrocardiographically triggered CT angiography of the whole aorta and coronary arteries with highpitch dual-source CT

Objective To investigate the feasibility of comprehensive assessment of the whole aorta and coronary arteries (CA) simultaneously with high-pitch 128-slice dual-source CT ECG-gated FLASH protocol. Methods A total of 48 consecutive patients with suspected aortic diseases underwent CTA examination of the whole aorta and CA using a ECG-gated FLASH CT protocol (pitch=3.2) without heart rate (HR) control.Aorta,aortic valves and CA were shown with different post-processing modalities.The image quality of the aorta,aortic valves and CA was evaluated and compared according to HR (low HR group≤65 bpm,high HR group>65 bpm).The scan time,effective dose and contrast medium volume were recorded.Inter-observer differences were calculated by Kappa test.Differences between groups were analyzed by Mann-Whitney test with count data and variance test with measurement data. Results All examinations were completed successfully.The image quality was acceptable in the aorta,aortic valve (100%,48/48) and CA (94.0%,551/586).Percentage of diagnostic quality images was slightly higher in low HR group (94.7%,232/245,93.5%,319/341,Z=-2.504,P<0.05).Inter-reader reproducibility was 95.8% (46/48) in the aorta and aortic valve,96.6% (566/586) in CA,yielded good agreement (Kappa=0.81 and 0.89).The mean attenuation of aorta and CA were higher than 300 HU,especially in low HR group (357.0—446.0) HU.Except proximal segment of right CA,the CNR of whole aorta and coronary arteries were significantly higher in the low HR group (24.5—29.0) than that in the high HR group (20.0—23.1,P<0.05).SNR of the whole aorta was higher in the low HR group (13.7—17.9) than the high HR group (11.5—13.9,P<0.05).The mean scan time was (1.56±0.08) s,effective dose was (4.12±1.23) mSv (2.77—6.77 mSv),and contrast medium volume was (72.8±2.1) ml. Conclusions CT angiography of whole aorta and coronary arteries could be performed simultaneously within 2 seconds with CT ECG-gated FLASH protocol.The images were of diagnostic quality for aortic and CA disease with low dose of radiation and contrast media.However,high HR could decrease the image quality of CA. Key words: Aorta; Coronary vessels; Angiography; Tomography,spiral computed

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.

Prospective ECG-gated 320-row CT angiography of the whole aorta and coronary arteries

To investigate the feasibility of using a prospective ECG-gated wide-volume protocol in CT angiography (CTA) of the whole aorta and coronary arteries (CA). A total of 61 consecutive patients with suspected acute aortic diseases underwent CTA of the whole aorta using a prospective ECG-gated wide-volume CT protocol without heart rate (HR) control. The exposure window was set at 40-50% of R-R interval (HR ≥70bpm) or 70-80% of R-R interval (HR <70bpm) in a single heartbeat. The image quality of the ascending aorta, aortic valve and CA was evaluated for motion artefacts. The mean attenuation was measured at different levels of the aorta. The radiation dose and contrast medium volume were recorded. All of the examinations were performed successfully. The image quality was acceptable in the ascending aorta, aortic valve (100%) and CA (94.4%). The mean radiation dose was 18.42 ± 5.02mSv. Of 61 patients, 14 were diagnosed with aortic aneurysm and 35 were diagnosed with aortic dissection or intramural haematoma. Coronary artery stenosis was detected in 12 patients. For patients with aortic diseases, CTA of the whole aorta using a prospective ECG-gated wide-volume protocol has the potential to provide additional information about the CA and aortic valve with lower radiation exposure. • Computed tomography is increasingly used to assess the coronary arteries and the aorta. • This novel study investigates prospective ECG-gated wide-volume 320-row CT angiography. • Heart rate variation did not influence the image quality of coronary arteries. • Abnormalities in the coronary arteries and aorta can be simultaneously assessed noninvasively.

Accuracy, image quality and radiation dose comparison of high-pitch spiral and sequential acquisition on 128-slice dual-source CT angiography in children with congenital heart disease

To compare accuracy, image quality and radiation dose between high-pitch spiral and sequential modes on 128-slice dual-source computed tomographic (DSCT) angiography in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Forty patients suspected with CHD underwent 128-slice DSCT angiography with high-pitch mode and sequential mode respectively. All the anomalies were confirmed by the surgical and/or the conventional cardiac angiography (CCA) findings. The diagnostic accuracy, the subjective and objective image quality and effective radiation doses were compared. There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy (χ ( 2 ) = 0.963, P > 0.05), the objective parameters for image quality (P > 0.05) and the image quality of great vessels (u = 167.500, P > 0.05) between the two groups. The image quality of intracardiac structures and coronary arteries was significantly better in the sequential mode group than that in the high-pitch group (u = 112.500 and 100.000, P < 0.05). The mean effective dose in high-pitch group (0.17 ± 0.05mSv) was significantly lower (t = 5.287, P < 0.05) than that in the sequential mode group (0.29 ± 0.09mSv). Both the high-pitch and the sequential modes for 128-slice DSCT angiography provide high accuracy for the assessment of CHD in children, while the high-pitch mode, even with some image quality decrease, further significantly lowers the radiation dose. • Modern CT provides excellent anatomical detail of congenital heart disease. • Dual source CT systems offer high-pitch spiral and sequential modes. • The high-pitch mode provides high accuracy for the assessment of CHD. • A few images using the high-pitch mode were occasionally slightly degraded. • But the high-pitch mode significantly lowers the radiation dose.

Image quality and radiation dose of low dose coronary CT angiography in obese patients: Sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction versus filtered back projection

PurposeTo investigate the image quality and radiation dose of low radiation dose CT coronary angiography (CTCA) using sinogram affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) compared with standard dose CTCA using filtered back-projection (FBP) in obese patients. Materials and methodsSeventy-eight consecutive obese patients were randomized into two groups and scanned using a prospectively ECG-triggered step-and-shot (SAS) CTCA protocol on a dual-source CT scanner. Thirty-nine patients (protocol A) were examined using a routine radiation dose protocol at 120kV and images were reconstructed with FBP (protocol A). Thirty-nine patients (protocol B) were examined using a low dose protocol at 100kV and images were reconstructed with SAFIRE. Two blinded observers independently assessed the image quality of each coronary segment using a 4-point scale (1=non-diagnostic, 4=excellent) and measured the objective parameters image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Radiation dose was calculated. ResultsThe coronary artery image quality scores, image noise, SNR and CNR were not significantly different between protocols A and B (all p>0.05), with image quality scores of 3.51±0.70 versus 3.55±0.47, respectively. The effective radiation dose was significantly lower in protocol B (4.41±0.83mSv) than that in protocol A (8.83±1.74mSv, p<0.01). ConclusionCompared with standard dose CTCA using FBP, low dose CTCA using SAFIRE can maintain diagnostic image quality with 50% reduction of radiation dose.

Ivabradine usage in coronary CT angiography

The objective of our study was to assess the effect of ivabradine on image quality of ECG-gated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography. Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) was performed on two groups. In Group 1 (n=54), an intravenous beta-blocker was administered to patients with a heart rate >70 beats per minute (bpm) just before CTCA. In Group 2 (n=56), oral ivabradine 5 mg was administered twice a day for three days prior to CTCA examination to patients with a heart rate >70 bpm and contraindication to beta-blockers. Images acquired on two different MDCT scanners were scored in terms of image quality of the coronary artery segments using a 5-point grading scale (Grade 1, unreadable; Grade 5, excellent). The mean heart rates during CTCA were 64 ± 6.7 bpm for Group 1 and 59 ± 4.1 bpm for Group 2 (P < 0.05). Mean heart rate reduction was 9 ± 5% and 14 ± 8% for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P < 0.001). A total of 880 segments were evaluated in 110 patients. When the best reconstruction interval was used, 89.8% and 95.5% of all the coronary segments showed acceptable image quality in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Acceptable image quality of the middle right coronary artery was obtained in 78.3% of Group 1 and 92.4% of Group 2. These ratios for the other segments were 88.4% for Group 1 and 95.2% for Group 2. Reduction of heart rates with ivabradine premedication improves the image quality of CTCA. It should be considered as an alternative drug, particularly in patients with contraindications to beta-blockers.

Dual-source CT coronary angiography in patients with medium and low heart rate: imaging quality and radiation doses at a low tube voltage

Objective To evaluate the imaging quality and radiation doses of dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography at a low tube voltage in patients with medium and low heart rate.Methods Eighty-five patients[heart rate (HR) ＜ 91 beats per minute (bpm); body mass index (BMI) 17. 51-30. 00 kg/m2]suspected of coronary artery disease received retrospectively ECG-gating coronary angiography with dual-source CT scanner (Somatom Definition, Siemens) at a tube voltage of 100 kVp. For all patients, no beta-blocker was used before CT scan. According to the HR, the patients were divided into three groups: Group A, HR ≤ 59 bpm, n = 27; Group B, HR 60-69 bpm, n = 29; Group C,HR ≥70 bpm, n = 29. All images were transferred to a workstation for postprocessing. The best R-R interval reconstruction images of all groups were evaluated. The value of pitch, CT volume dosage index (CTDIvol), dose length product (DLP)and effective dose (ED)were recorded. The pitch, the score of imaging quality of coronary artery segments and the radiation dose were compared with one-way ANOVA. The influence of HR on image quality and radiation doses of coronary artery was analyzed. Results The value of pitch in Group A, Group B and Group C was 0. 241 ± 0. 025, 0. 286 ± 0. 034 and 0. 335 ± 0. 036,respectively. The mean score of imaging quality of coronary artery segments in Group A, Group B and Group C was 4. 78 ± 0. 26, 4. 66 ± 0. 56 and 4. 70 ± 0. 46, respectively. The value of CTDIvol in Group A,Group B and Group C was (18.06 ±5. 16), (19. 62 ±7. 15) and (17. 50 ±7. 13) mGy, respectively. The value of ED in group A, Group B and Group C was (4.23 ± 1.76), (4.59 ± 1.75) and (4.12 ±1.39) mSv, respectively. There was statistical difference in value of pitch among the three groups (F =60. 00, P= 0. 00). There were no statistical difference in score of imaging quality, CTDIvol and value of ED among the three groups (F = 0. 53, P = 0. 59; F = 0. 83, P = 0. 44 ; F = 0. 86, P = 0. 43). Conclusion Medium and low HR have little influences on image quality of dual-source CT coronary angiography at a low tube voltage. When the auto ECG-gating is selected, there is little influence on radiation dosage as well. Key words: Radiation dosage; Coronary vessels; Tomography, X-ray computed; Heart rate

Detection of Coronary Artery Anomalies in Infants and Young Children with Congenital Heart Disease by Using MR Imaging

To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of magnetic resonance (MR) coronary angiography for the detection of coronary artery anomalies in infants and children by using surgical findings as a reference. The data analysis was approved by the institutional review board. One hundred children with congenital heart disease underwent MR coronary angiography while under general anesthesia (mean age ± standard deviation, 3.9 years ± 3; age range, 0.2-11 years). A navigator-gated, T2-prepared, three-dimensional steady-state free precession whole-heart protocol (isotropic voxel size, 1.0-1.3 mm(3); mean imaging time, 4.6 minutes ± 1.2; mean navigator efficiency, 70%; 3-mm gating window) was used after injection of gadopentetate dimeglumine. The cardiac rest period (end systole or middiastole) and acquisition window were prospectively assessed for each patient. Coronary artery image quality (score of 0 [nondiagnostic] to 4 [excellent]), vessel sharpness, and coronary artery anomalies were assessed by two observers. Surgery was performed in 58 patients, and those findings were used to define accuracy. Variables were assessed between age groups by using either analysis of variance or Kruskal-Wallis tests. Diagnostic image quality (score, ≥1 for all coronary artery segments) was obtained in 46 of the 58 patients (79%) who underwent surgery. The origin and course of the coronary artery anatomy depicted with MR imaging was confirmed at surgery in all 46 patients-including the four (9%) with substantial coronary artery anomalies. Diagnostic-quality images were obtained in 84 of the 100 patients. The rate of success improved significantly when patients were older than 4 months (88% for patients >4 months vs 17% for patients ≤4 months, P < .001). Improved whole-heart MR coronary angiography enables accurate detection of abnormal origin and course of the coronary artery system even in very young patients with congenital heart disease.

320-row CT: does beat-to-beat motion of the coronary arteries affect image quality?

320-row CT: does beat-to-beat motion of the coronary arteries affect image quality?

Assessment of Left Ventricular Function and Volume in Patients Undergoing 128-Slice Coronary CT Angiography with ECG-Based Maximum Tube Current Modulation: a Comparison with Echocardiography

ObjectiveTo compare multi-detector CT (MDCT) using 128-slice coronary CT angiography (Definition AS+, Siemens Medical Solution, Forchheim, Germany) with ECG-based maximum tube current modulation with echocardiography for the determination of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), as well as assessing coronary artery image quality and patient radiation dose.Materials and MethodsThirty consecutive patients (M:F = 20:10; mean age, 57.9 ± 11.4 years) were referred for MDCT for evaluation of atypical chest pain. EF, EDV and ESV were determined for both MDCT and echocardiography, and the correlation coefficients were assessed. Coronary artery segment subjective image quality (1, excellent; 4, poor) and radiation dose were recorded.ResultsLeft ventricular EF, EDV, and ESV were calculated by MDCT and echocardiography and the comparison showed a significant correlation with those estimated by echocardiography (p < 0.05). Consistently, the LVEFs calculated by MDCT and echocardiography were not statistically different. However, LV, EDV and ESV from MDCT were statistically higher than those from echocardiography (p < 0.05). The average image quality score of the coronary artery segment was 1.10 and the mean patient radiation dose was 3.99 ± 1.85 mSv.ConclusionAlthough LV volume was overestimated by MDCT, MDCT provides comparable results to echocardiography for LVEF and LVV, with a low radiation dose.

Relationship between beat to beat coronary artery motion and image quality in prospectively ECG-gated two heart beat 320-detector row coronary CT angiography

The objective was to investigate the influence of the beat-to-beat movement of the coronary arteries on image quality of multi-segment reconstruction (MSR) images. Although MSR improves temporal resolution, image quality would be degraded by beat-to-beat movement of the coronary arteries. In a retrospectively review, 18 patients (mean age, 67.0 years) who underwent coronary CT angiography using a 320-detector row CT were included. The displacement and diameter of coronary artery segments for each of the identified nine landmarks was recorded. The motion ratio was calculated as the division of displacement by diameter. Image quality (IQ) was graded by a four-point scale. The correlation between MSR IQ score and the motion ratio showed stronger negative correlation than that between MSR IQ score and the displacement (r = -0.54 vs. r = -0.36). The average motion ratio for segments in which half-scan reconstruction (HSR) IQ was better than MSR IQ (29.1%, group A) was higher than that for segments in which MSR IQ was better than HSR IQ (16.0%, group C). The motion ratio in group C was lower than 25%. Difference in IQ scores of the HSR images was more frequent in group A than in the remaining segments in which the motion ratio was lower than 25% (16.7% vs. 66.0%; P < 0.0002). The motion ratio could be a better index than the displacement to evaluate the influence of the motion of coronary arteries on image quality. MSR images would be impaired by a motion ratio larger than 25%. Image impairment of one of the HSR images might also impair MSR images.

Radiation dose for thoracic and coronary step-and-shoot CT using a 128-slice dual-source machine in infants and small children with congenital heart disease

For coronary artery visualization, retrospective ECG-gated acquisition by dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) was superior to spiral non-ECG-gated acquisition in a paediatric population of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. However, retrospective cardiac CT is associated with substantial radiation doses to the patient. Recently, DSCT with end-systolic reconstruction was found to be robust for imaging the coronary arteries in patients with high heart rates. To evaluate step-and-shoot DSCT with end-systolic reconstruction for evaluating the heart, coronary arteries and other thoracic structures in young children with CHD. All neonates and children younger than 6years of age who were referred to our institution for CHD evaluation between September and October 2009 were included in the study. ECG-gated DSCT was performed in sequential prospective mode centred on the systolic phase identified by ECG analysis. To assess the radiation dose, we recorded the dose-length product (DLP) in mGy·cm and the effective dose in mSv estimated from the DLP. Overall image quality was evaluated using a 5-grade scoring system and was assessed by looking at cardiac and vascular structures. The image quality for the proximal and middle segments of the right and left coronary arteries was also evaluated using a 5-grade scale. Images of diagnostic quality (grade ≥ 3) were obtained in all 30 children with a mean image quality grade of 4.7 ± 0.6 (range, 3-5). Mean DLP was 5.7 ± 4.8mGy*cm (range, 1-22mGycm) and mean effective radiation dose was 0.26 ± 0.16mSv (range, 0.05-0.8mSv). Prospective ECG-gated thoracic DSCT at end-systole usually provides adequate thoracic and coronary artery image quality in neonates, infants and young children with CHD, independent of heart rate. This new method is associated with lower radiation doses compared to previous literature (mean effective dose, 0.26mSv).

Fused Whole-Heart Coronary and Myocardial Scar Imaging Using 3-T CMR: Implications for Planning of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Coronary Revascularization

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of providing spatially matched, 3-dimensional (3D) myocardial scar and coronary imaging for the purpose of fused volumetric image display in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) or coronary artery revascularization (CAR). Clinical success in coronary vascular-based interventions is mitigated by the presence of scar in related myocardium. Pre-procedural fused volumetric imaging of both myocardial scar and coronary vasculature may benefit pre-procedural planning and patient selection in populations referred for CRT or CAR. A total of 55 studies were performed in patients referred for either CRT (n = 42) or CAR (n = 13). Coronary-enhanced and scar-enhanced imaging was performed on a 3-T cardiac magnetic resonance scanner using the same cardiac-gated, 3D, free-breathing cardiac magnetic resonance technique during and 20 minutes following slow gadolinium infusion. Matched image datasets were fused and volume-rendered to simultaneously display coronary anatomy and myocardial scar. Visual scoring of coronary artery, coronary vein, and myocardial scar image quality (score 0 to 4) was performed. The clinical impact of imaging was also scored using a physician survey. Mean age was 57 ± 14 years. Combined 3D coronary and scar imaging was successful in 49 studies (89%). A quality score ≥ 2 was obtained for 97% of proximal- and mid-coronary artery and vein segments. The mean quality score of 3D scar imaging was 2.8 ± 1.0 and was scored as ≥ 2 in 86% of patients with myocardial scar. All patients with a scar quality score ≥ 2 achieved successful image fusion. Transmural scar was present below ≥ 1 planned target vessel in 9 patients (39%) planned for CRT and 8 patients (62%) planned for CAR. Physician surveys demonstrated incremental clinical impact in 67% of patients. Three-dimensional myocardial scar and coronary imaging with fused volumetric display is clinically feasible and may be valuable for the planning of vascular-based interventions when regional myocardial scar is pertinent to therapeutic success.

Image quality and radiation dose in 256-slice cardiac computed tomography: Comparison of prospective versus retrospective image acquisition protocols

Purpose To assess coronary artery image quality and patient radiation exposure in patients who underwent clinically indicated 256-slice CTA. Methods Consecutive patients ( n = 193) underwent 256-slice CTA, using (1) retrospective gating without radiation dose modulation, (2) retrospective gating with radiation dose modulation and (3) prospective gating. Image quality was determined by consensus of two experienced observers using a 5-grade scale. The effective dose was calculated. Results In all patients, CTA was performed without adverse events. Retrospective CTA was assessed in 39 patients with and 39 without dose modulation, while 115 patients underwent prospective CTA. Heart rate was related to image quality with all protocols ( r = 0.46, p < 0.001). Up to a heart rate of 75 bpm no significant difference in overall image quality was observed for all three protocols, while no significant differences could be observed between retrospective CTA with and without dose modulation for any segments or heart rates. Prospective and retrospective CTA with dose modulation showed radiation savings of ∼75% and ∼30%, respectively compared to retrospective CTA without dose modulation ( p < 0.001). Conclusions In patients with heart rates up to 75 bpm prospective CTA should be the first choice acquisition protocol. For heart rates >75 bpm, retrospective CTA with dose modulation should be considered.

Prospective ECG triggering versus low-dose retrospective ECG-gated 128-channel CT coronary angiography: comparison of image quality and radiation dose

To evaluate image quality and radiation dose for 128-detector prospective electrocardiogram (ECG)-gated computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) compared with a low-dose retrospective ECG-gated imaging protocol. Thirty-one and 47 patients suspected of having coronary artery disease were enrolled into groups examined using prospective and low-dose retrospective ECG-gated CT protocols respectively. All examinations were performed on a 128-detector CT system (Definition AS, Siemens Healthcare, Forchheim, Germany). Prospective CTCA was performed using following parameters: tube voltage 100 kV; tube current 205 mAs; centre of acquisition window 70% of the RR interval. The tube current for low-dose retrospective ECG-gated CTCA was full dose during 40-70% of the RR interval and partial dose for the rest of RR interval. The pitch varied between 0.2 and 0.5 depending on heart rate and patient size. Image quality of coronary arteries was evaluated using a four-point grading scale. The signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of enhanced arteries and myocardium were also measured, corresponding contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were calculated, and the radiation doses received were recorded. There was a significant difference in the image quality scores between the retrospective and prospective gating protocols (Chi-square=15.331, p=0.009). There was no significant difference between the SNRs of the contrasted artery and myocardium in these two groups, but the CNRs were increased in the prospective group. The mean radiation dose of prospective gating group was 2.71+/-0.67 mSv (range, 1.67-3.59 mSv), which was significantly lower than that of the retrospective group (p<0.001). Prospective CT angiography can achieve lower radiation dose than that of low-dose retrospective CT angiography, with preserved image quality.

High-pitch dual-source CT coronary angiography: systolic data acquisition at high heart rates

To assess the effect of systolic data acquisition for electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered high-pitch computed tomography (CT) on motion artefacts of coronary arteries in patients with high heart rates (HRs). Eighty consecutive patients (15 women, age 67 ± 14 years) with HR ≥ 70 bpm underwent CT angiography of the thoracic aorta (CTA) on 128-slice dual-source CT in ECG-triggered high-pitch acquisition mode (pitch = 3.2) set at 60% (group A, n = 40) or 30% (group B, n = 40) of the RR interval. Two blinded readers graded coronary artery image quality on a three-point scale. Radiation doses were calculated. Inter-observer agreement in grading image quality of the 1,154 coronary segments was good (κ = 0.62). HRs were similar in groups A and B (85 ± 13 bpm vs 85 ± 14 bpm, p not significant). Significantly fewer coronary segments with non-diagnostic image quality occurred (i.e. score 3) in group B than in group A [2.8% (16/579) vs 8.3% (48/575), p < 0.001]. Seventeen patients (42.5%) of group A and 12 patients (30.0%) of group B had at least one non-diagnostic segment. Effective radiation doses were 2.3 ± 0.3 mSv for chest CTA. A systolic acquisition window for high-pitch dual-source CTA in patients with high HRs (≥ 70 bpm) significantly improves coronary artery image quality at a low radiation dose.

Whole‐heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography at 3.0T using short‐TR steady‐state free precession, vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction

To evaluate the feasibility of improving 3.0T steady-state free precession (SSFP) whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using short-TR (repetition time) VIPR (vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction). SSFP is highly sensitive to field inhomogeneity. VIPR imaging uses nonselective radiofrequency pulses, allowing short TR and reduced banding artifacts, while achieving isotropic 3D resolution. Coronary artery imaging was performed in nine healthy volunteers using SSFP VIPR. TR was reduced to 3.0 msec with an isotropic spatial resolution of 1.3 x 1.3 x 1.3 mm(3). Image quality, vessel sharpness, and lengths of major coronary arteries were measured. Comparison between SSFP using Cartesian trajectory and SSFP using VIPR trajectory was performed in all volunteers. Short-TR SSFP VIPR resulted in whole-heart images without any banding artifacts, leading to excellent coronary artery visualization. The average image quality score for VIPR-SSFP was 3.12 +/- 0.42 out of four while that for Cartesian SSFP was 0.92 +/- 0.61. A significant improvement (P < 0.05) in image quality was shown by Wilcoxon comparison. The visualized coronary artery lengths for VIPR-SSFP were: 10.13 +/- 0.79 cm for the left anterior descending artery (LAD), 7.90 +/- 0.91 cm for the left circumflex artery (LCX), 7.50 +/- 1.65 cm for the right coronary artery (RCA), and 1.84 +/- 0.23 cm for the left main artery (LM). The lengths statistics for Cartesian SSFP were 1.57 +/- 2.02 cm, 1.54 +/- 1.93 cm, 0.94 +/- 1.17 cm, 0.46 +/- 0.53 cm, respectively. The image sharpness was also increased from 0.61 +/- 0.13 (mm(-1)) in Cartesian-SSFP to 0.81 +/- 0.11 (mm(-1)) in VIPR-SSFP. With VIPR trajectory the TR is substantially decreased, reducing the sensitivity of SSFP to field inhomogeneity and resulting in whole-heart images without banding artifacts at 3.0T. Image quality improved significantly over Cartesian sampling.