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Casolo G, Gabrielli D, Colivicchi F, Murrone A, Grosseto D, Gulizia MM, Di Fusco S, Domenicucci S, Scotto di Uccio F, Di Tano G, Orso F, Grippo G, Abrignani M, Valente S, Corda M. ANMCO POSITION PAPER: Prognostic and therapeutic relevance of non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis. Eur Heart J Suppl 2021; 23:C164-C175. [PMID: 34456643 PMCID: PMC8388609 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suab072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis often affects the coronary arterial tree. Frequently the disease does not translate in significant narrowing of the vessels, thus determining only a non-obstructive disease. This condition that is described as non-obstructive coronary artery disease (NobsCAD) should be distinguished from the absence of disease (i.e. smooth coronary arteries) as it carries a specific prognostic value. The detection and reporting of NobsCAD should prompt preventive measures that can be individualized upon the degree of the underlying burden of disease. The accompanying clinical condition, the other cardiovascular risk factors present, and the description of the severity and extent of NobsCAD should provide the framework for an individualized treatment that should also consider the best available scientific evidence and guidelines. The description of NobsCAD represents important information to be collected whenever a coronary angiogram (both invasive and non-invasive) is performed. Treating the patient according to the presence and extent of NobsCAD offers prognostic benefits well beyond those offered by considering only the traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In order to reach this goal, NobsCAD should not be confused with the absence of coronary atherosclerosis or even ignored when detected as if it was a trivial information to provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giancarlo Casolo
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Versilia, Lido di Camaiore (LU), Via Aurelia 335, 55041 Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Cardiology-CCU Department, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo Forlanini, Roma, Italy
| | - Furio Colivicchi
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri, ASL Roma 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Adriano Murrone
- Cardiology Department, Ospedali di Castello e Gubbio-Gualdo Tadino, Azienda USL Umbria 1, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Michele Massimo Gulizia
- Cardiology Department, Ospedale Garibaldi-Nesima, Azienda di rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione “Garibaldi”, Catania, Italy
- Fondazione per il Tuo Cuore, Heart Care Foundation, Via la Marmora 36, Florence, Italy
| | - Stefania Di Fusco
- Clinical and Rehabilitation Cardiology Department, Presidio Ospedaliero San Filippo Neri, ASL Roma 1, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Francesco Orso
- Cardiology and Geriatric Medicine Department, AOU Careggi, Firenze, Italy
| | | | | | - Serafina Valente
- Clinical-Surgical Cardiology and ICU Department, Ospedale Santa Maria alle Scotte, Siena, A.O.U. Senese, Italy
| | - Marco Corda
- Cardiology Department, Azienda Ospedaliera G. Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
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Liu P, Wang M, Wang Y, Yu M, Wang Y, Liu Z, Li Y, Jin Z. Impact of Deep Learning-based Optimization Algorithm on Image Quality of Low-dose Coronary CT Angiography with Noise Reduction: A Prospective Study. Acad Radiol 2020; 27:1241-1248. [PMID: 31864809 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES To evaluate deep learning (DL)-based optimization algorithm for low-dose coronary CT angiography (CCTA) image noise reduction and image quality (IQ) improvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS A postprocessing platform for the CCTA image was built using a DL-based algorithm. Seventy subjects referred for CCTA were randomly divided into two groups (study group A with 80 kVp and control group B with 100 kVp). Group C was obtained by DL optimization of group A. Subjective IQ was blindly graded by two experienced radiologists on a four-point scale (4-excellent,1-poor). The image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated to evaluate IQ objectively. The difference between the time consumed of iterative reconstruction and DL algorithm was also recorded. RESULTS The subjective IQ score of group C using the DL algorithm was significantly better than that of group A (p = 0.005). The noise of group C was significantly decreased, while SNR and CNR were significantly increased compared to group A (p < 0.001). The subjective IQ scores were lower in group A compared to group B (p = 0.037), whereas subjective IQ scores in group C were not significantly different (p = 0.874). For objective IQ, the noise of group A was significantly higher, while SNR and CNR were significantly lower than that of group B (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in noise and SNR between group C and group B (p > 0.05), but CNR in group C was significantly higher than that in group B (p < 0.05). The DL algorithm processes the image twice as fast as the iterative reconstruction speed. CONCLUSION The DL-based optimization algorithm could effectively improve the IQ of low-dose CCTA by noise reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peijun Liu
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Man Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
| | - Min Yu
- CT Business Unit, Neusoft Medical System Company, Shenyang, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhuoheng Liu
- CT Business Unit, Neusoft Medical System Company, Shenyang, China
| | - Yumei Li
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhengyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Sinogram-Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction Negatively Impacts the Risk Category Based on Agatston Score: A Study Combining Coronary Calcium Score Measurement and Coronary CT Angiography. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:6909130. [PMID: 32733949 PMCID: PMC7376420 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6909130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To assess the impact of sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) on risk category for coronary artery disease by combining coronary calcium score measurement and coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Materials and Methods Eighty-nine patients (64.0% male) older than 18 years (64.4 ± 10.3 years) underwent coronary artery calcium scanning and prospectively ECG-triggered sequential CCTA examination. All raw data acquired in coronary artery calcium scanning were reconstructed by both filtered back projection (FBP) and SAFIRE algorithms with 5 different levels. Objective image quality and calcium quantification were evaluated and compared between FBP and all SAFIRE levels by the Sphericity Assumed test or Greenhouse-Geisser ε correction coefficient. Coronary artery stenosis was assessed in CCTA. Risk categories of all patients and of the patients with coronary artery stenosis in CCTA were compared between FBP and all SAFIRE levels by the Friedman test. Results The reconstruction protocol from traditional FBP to SAFIRE 5 was associated with a gradual reduction in CT value and image noise (P < 0.001) but associated with a gradual improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio (P < 0.001). There was a gradual reduction in coronary calcification quantification (Agatston score: from 73.5 in FBP to 38.1 in SAFIRE 5, P < 0.001) from traditional FBP to SAFIRE 5. There was a significant difference for the risk category between FBP and all levels of SAFIRE in all patients (from 3.5 in FBP to 3.2 in SAFIRE 5, P < 0.001) and in the patients with coronary artery stenosis in CCTA (from 4.0 in FBP to 3.6 in SAFIRE 5, P < 0.001). Conclusions SAFIRE significantly reduces coronary calcification quantification compared to FBP, resulting in the reduction of risk categories based on the Agatston score. The risk categories of the patients with coronary artery stenosis in CCTA may also decline. Thus, SAFIRE may lead risk categories to underestimate the existence of significant coronary artery stenosis.
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Richards CE, Obaid DR. Low-Dose Radiation Advances in Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography in the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease. Curr Cardiol Rev 2019; 15:304-315. [PMID: 30806322 PMCID: PMC8142354 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x15666190222163737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is now widely used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease since it is a rapid, minimally invasive test with a diagnostic accuracy comparable to coronary angiography. However, to meet demands for increasing spatial and temporal resolution, higher x-ray radiation doses are required to circumvent the resulting increase in image noise. Exposure to high doses of ionizing radiation with CT imaging is a major health concern due to the potential risk of radiation-associated malignancy. Given its increasing use, a number of dose saving algorithms have been implemented to CCTA to minimize radiation exposure to “as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)” without compromising diagnostic image quality. Objective
The purpose of this review is to outline the most recent advances and current status of dose saving techniques in CCTA. Method
PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and Scholar databases were searched to identify feasibility studies, clinical trials, and technology guidelines on the technical advances in CT scanner hardware and reconstruction software. Results
Sub-millisievert (mSv) radiation doses have been reported for CCTA due to a combination of strategies such as prospective electrocardiogram-gating, high-pitch helical acquisition, tube current modulation, tube voltage reduction, heart rate reduction, and the most recent novel adaptive iterative reconstruction algorithms. Conclusion
Advances in radiation dose reduction without loss of image quality justify the use of CCTA as a non-invasive alternative to coronary catheterization in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryl E Richards
- Department of Cardiology, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6NL, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R Obaid
- Department of Cardiology, Morriston Hospital, Heol Maes Eglwys, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6NL, United Kingdom.,Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Grove Building, Singleton Park, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PP, United Kingdom
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In vivo radiation dosimetry and image quality of turbo-flash and retrospective dual-source CT coronary angiography. Radiol Med 2019; 125:117-127. [PMID: 31686317 DOI: 10.1007/s11547-019-01103-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare measured radiation dose (MD), estimated radiation dose (ED) and image quality in coronary computed tomography between turbo-flash (TFP) and retrospective protocol (RP) and correlate MD with size-specific dose estimates (SSDE). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective study, we selected 68 patients (mean age, 59.2 ± 9.7 years) undergoing 192 × 2 dual-source CT (SOMATOM Force, Siemens) to rule out coronary artery disease. Thirty-one underwent TFP and 37 RP. To evaluate in vivo MD, thermoluminescent dosimeters were placed, superficially, at thyroid and heart level, left breast areola and left hemi-thorax. MD in each site, and ED parameters, such as volume CT dose index (CTDIvol), SSDE, dose length product (DLP), effective dose (E), were compared between two protocols with a t test. Image quality was compared between two protocols. Inter-observer agreement was evaluated with a kappa coefficient (k). In each protocol, MD was correlated with SSDE using a Pearson coefficient (r). RESULTS Comparing TFP and RP, MD at thyroid (1.43 vs. 2.58 mGy; p = 0.0408), heart (3.58 vs. 28.72 mGy; p < 0.0001), left breast areola (3.00 vs. 24.21 mGy; p < 0.0001) and left hemi-thorax (2.68 vs. 24.03 mGy; p < 0.0001), CTDIvol, SSDE, DLP and E were significantly lower. Differences in image quality were not statistically significant. Inter-observer agreement was good (k = 0.796) in TFP and very good (k = 0.817) in RP. MD and SSDE excellently correlated with TFP (r = 0.9298, p < 0.0001) and RP (r = 0.9753, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS With TFP, MD, CTDIvol, SSDE, DLP and E were significantly lower, than with RP. Image quality was similar between two protocols. MD correlated excellently with SSDE in each protocol.
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Nelson AJ, Ardissino M, Psaltis PJ. Current approach to the diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease: more questions than answers. Ther Adv Chronic Dis 2019; 10:2040622319884819. [PMID: 31700595 PMCID: PMC6826912 DOI: 10.1177/2040622319884819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite its commonality in routine clinical practice, the approach to a diagnosis of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease remains complex and, in part, contentious. The traditional dogma linking ischaemia to hard clinical outcomes has been questioned and reframed over the years; rather than being a predictor of hard clinical outcomes, the degree of ischaemia may simply be a marker of atherosclerotic disease burden. A renewed interest in the imaging of plaque burden has spawned the contemporary role of CT imaging for not only diagnosis and prognosis, but also for dictating downstream management. As the technology develops and evidence expands, decisions on investigative modalities remain centred around patient factors, local availability, test performance and cost. This review summarizes the available methods for diagnosis in the symptomatic patient and provides an overview of the current evidence behind functional and anatomical approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J. Nelson
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- Vascular Research Centre, Lifelong Health Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maddalena Ardissino
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC, USA
- School of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Peter J. Psaltis
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Fractional Flow Reserve Derived from Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Datasets: The Next Frontier in Noninvasive Assessment of Coronary Artery Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:2680430. [PMID: 30276202 PMCID: PMC6151685 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2680430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary CTA datasets (FFRCT) is a major advance in cardiovascular imaging that provides critical information to the Heart Team without exposing the patient to excessive risk. Previously, invasive FFR measurements obtained during a cardiac catheterization have been demonstrated to reduce contrast use, number of stents, and cost of care and improve outcomes. However, there are barriers to routine use of FFR in the cardiac catheterization suite. FFRCT values are obtained using resting 3D coronary CTA images using computational fluid dynamics. Several multicenter clinical trials have demonstrated the diagnostic superiority of FFRCT over traditional coronary CTA for the diagnosis of functionally significant coronary artery disease. This review provides a background of FFR, technical aspects of FFRCT, clinical applications and interpretation of FFRCT values, clinical trial data, and future directions of the technology.
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Diagnostic accuracy of low-dose versus ultra-low-dose CT for lumbar disc disease and facet joint osteoarthritis in patients with low back pain with MRI correlation. Skeletal Radiol 2018; 47:491-504. [PMID: 29110049 DOI: 10.1007/s00256-017-2811-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic performance between low-dose (LD) and ultra-low-dose (ULD) lumbar-spine (L-spine) CT with iterative reconstruction (IR) for patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). METHODS In total, 260 patients with chronic LBP who underwent L-spine CT between November 2015 and September 2016 were prospectively enrolled. Of these, 143 underwent LD-CT with IR and 117 underwent ULD-CT with IR. The patients were divided according to their body mass index (BMI) into BMI1 (<22.9 kg/m2), BMI2 (23.0-24.9 kg/m2), and BMI3 (≥25 kg/m2) groups. Two blinded radiologists independently evaluated the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), qualitative image quality, and final diagnoses (lumbar disc disease and facet joint osteoarthritis). L-spine MRIs interpreted by consensus were used as the reference standard. All data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS ULD protocol showed significantly lower SNR for all patients (p < 0.001) except the vertebral bodies and lower qualitative image quality for BMI3 patients (p ≤ 0.033). There was no statistically significant difference between ULD (sensitivity, 95.1-98.1%; specificity, 92.5-98.7%; accuracy, 94.6-98.0%) and LD protocols (sensitivity, 95.6-100%; specificity, 95.5-98.9%; accuracy, 97.4-98.1%), (all p≥0.1) in the BMI1 and BMI2; while dose was 60-68% lower with the ULD protocol. Interobserver agreements were excellent or good with regard to image quality and final diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS For the BM1 and BMI2 groups, ULD-CT provided an acceptable image quality and exhibited a diagnostic accuracy similar to that of LD-CT. These findings suggest that it is a useful diagnostic tool for patients with chronic LBP who exhibit a BMI of <25 kg/m2.
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High-Pitch Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography Using the Third-Generation Dual-Source Computed Tomography. J Comput Assist Tomogr 2018; 42:248-255. [DOI: 10.1097/rct.0000000000000678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Feng R, Tong J, Liu X, Zhao Y, Zhang L. High-Pitch Coronary CT Angiography at 70 kVp Adopting a Protocol of Low Injection Speed and Low Volume of Contrast Medium. Korean J Radiol 2017; 18:763-772. [PMID: 28860894 PMCID: PMC5552460 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2017.18.5.763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To 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 Methods One 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. Results The 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). Conclusion Prospective 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiqi Feng
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Jiajie Tong
- Department of Radiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, P.R. China
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Hagdrup C, Ulriksen PS, Madsen PL. Acute anterior myocardial infarction seen on conventional iodine-contrast CT. Radiol Case Rep 2017; 12:635-637. [PMID: 28828142 PMCID: PMC5552012 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is based on clinical symptoms of chest pain and dyspnea in combination with electrocardiographic changes and a raise in myocardial-specific biomarkers. Imaging is by echocardiography and magnetic resonance. The preferred technique for identification of previous myocardial infarction (MI) is magnetic resonance imaging with late gadolinium technique, but in the acute patient echocardiography is applied. In selected cases, important information can be obtained from other imaging modalities. We describe a case of a patient first suspected of an abdominal catastrophe in whom acute MI was diagnosed from a computerized tomography (CT) scan with iodine contrast. Our case together with a few other cases reported in the literature demonstrate that contrast enhancement of the myocardium can be important to follow in the acute patient because the CT scans sometimes give a unique opportunity to recognize findings consistent with MI even though the CT scan was performed for another reason.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hagdrup
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Sommer Ulriksen
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per Lav Madsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Ghekiere O, Salgado R, Buls N, Leiner T, Mancini I, Vanhoenacker P, Dendale P, Nchimi A. Image quality in coronary CT angiography: challenges and technical solutions. Br J Radiol 2017; 90:20160567. [PMID: 28055253 PMCID: PMC5605061 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidetector CT angiography (CTA) has become a widely accepted examination for non-invasive evaluation of the heart and coronary arteries. Despite its ongoing success and worldwide clinical implementation, it remains an often-challenging procedure in which image quality, and hence diagnostic value, is determined by both technical and patient-related factors. Thorough knowledge of these factors is important to obtain high-quality examinations. In this review, we discuss several key elements that may adversely affect coronary CTA image quality as well as potential measures that can be taken to mitigate their impact. In addition, several recent vendor-specific advances and future directions to improve image quality are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Ghekiere
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Chrétien (CHC), Liège, Belgium
- Department of Radiology, Jessa Ziekenhuis, Hasselt, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Rodrigo Salgado
- Department of Radiology, Antwerp University Hospital (UZA), Edegem, Belgium
| | - Nico Buls
- Department of Radiology, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tim Leiner
- Department of Radiology, Utrecht University Medical Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Mancini
- Department of Radiology, Centre Hospitalier Chrétien (CHC), Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Paul Dendale
- Heart Center Hasselt, Jessa Ziekenhuis, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Alain Nchimi
- GIGA Cardiovascular Sciences, Liège University (ULg), Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Rue de l'hôpital, Liège, Belgium
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Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography at 70 kVp with 30mL contrast agent: An intraindividual comparison with sequential scanning at 120 kVp with 60mL contrast agent. Eur J Radiol 2017; 90:97-105. [PMID: 28583653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2017.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic efficiency of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) at 70 kVp with 30mL contrast agent intra-individually compared with routine CCTA protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and thirty eight patients with suspected coronary artery disease, body mass index (BMI)≤25kg/m2 and heart rate (HR)≤70 beats per minute (bpm) underwent prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp and 30mL contrast agent (protocol A) and prospectively ECG-triggered sequential scanning at 120 kVp and 60mL contrast medium (protocol B). Objective and subjective image quality, radiation doses, and diagnostic accuracy were evaluated and compared between the two protocols. RESULTS Higher CT attenuation, higher noise, lower signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and lower contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were found in protocol A than in protocol B (P<0.001). However, image quality of protocol A were diagnostic. In patients with BMI<23kg/m2 or HR<60bpm, subjective image quality scores of some coronary arteries in protocol A were not significantly different from protocol B (P>0.05). Effective dose in protocol A has reduced by 96.7% compared with protocol B (P<0.001). No significant differences were found for diagnostic accuracy between the two protocols on a per-segment (P=0.513), per-vessel (P=0.317) and per-patient (P=0.125) basis. CONCLUSIONS Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70kVp with 30mL contrast agent can reduce radiation dose but maintain image quality and high diagnostic accuracy in a selected, non-obese population.
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Triple rule-out computed tomography for risk stratification of patients with acute chest pain. J Cardiovasc Comput Tomogr 2016; 10:291-300. [PMID: 27375202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcct.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Clinical evidence supporting triple rule-out computed tomography (TRO-CT) for rapid screening of cardiovascular disease is limited. We investigated the clinical value of TRO-CT in patients with acute chest pain. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 1024 patients who visited the emergency department (ED) with acute chest pain and underwent TRO-CT using a 128-slice CT system. TRO-CT was classified as "positive" if it revealed clinically significant cardiovascular disease including obstructive coronary artery disease, pulmonary thromboembolism, or acute aortic syndrome. The clinical endpoint was occurrence of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) within 30 days, defined by a composite of all cause death, myocardial infarction, revascularization, major cardiovascular surgery, or thrombolytic therapy. Clinical risk scores for acute chest pain including TIMI, GRACE, Diamond-Forrester, and HEART were determined and compared to the TRO-CT findings. RESULTS TRO-CT revealed clinically significant cardiovascular disease in 239 patients (23.3%). MACE occurred in 119 patients (49.8%) with positive TRO-CT and in 7 patients (0.9%) with negative TRO-CT (p < 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of TRO-CT was 95%, 88%, 54%, and 99%, respectively. TRO-CT was a better discriminator between patients with vs. without events as compared to clinical risk scores (c-statistics = 0.91 versus 0.64 to 0.71; integrated discrimination improvement = 0.31 to 0.37; p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Patients with a negative TRO-CT showed shorter ED stay times and admission rates compared to patients with positive TRO-CT, irrespective of clinical risk scores (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION Triple rule-out CT has high predictive performance for 30-day MACE and permits rapid triage and low admission rates irrespective of clinical risk scores.
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Secchi F, Alì M, Faggiano E, Cannaò PM, Fedele M, Tresoldi S, Di Leo G, Auricchio F, Sardanelli F. Fractional flow reserve based on computed tomography: an overview. Eur Heart J Suppl 2016; 18:E49-E56. [PMID: 28533717 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suw014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) is a technique proved to provide high sensitivity and negative predictive value for the identification of anatomically significant coronary artery disease (CAD) when compared with invasive X-ray coronary angiography. While the CTCA limitation of a ionizing radiation dose delivered to patients is substantially overcome by recent technical innovations, a relevant limitation remains the only anatomical assessment of coronary stenoses in the absence of evaluation of their functional haemodynamic significance. This limitation is highly important for those stenosis graded as intermediate at the anatomical assessment. Recently, non-invasive methods based on computational fluid dynamics were developed to calculate vessel-specific fractional flow reserve (FFR) using data routinely acquired by CTCA [computed tomographic fractional flow reserve (CT-FFR)]. Here we summarize methods for CT-FFR and review the evidence available in the literature up to June 26, 2016, including 16 original articles and one meta-analysis. The perspective of CT-FFR may greatly impact on CAD diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and treatment decision-making. The aim of this review is to describe technical characteristics and clinical applications of CT-FFR, also in comparison with catheter-based invasive FFR, in order to make a cost-benefit balance in terms of clinical management and patient's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Secchi
- Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Marco Alì
- PhD Course in Integrative Biomedical Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 31, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Elena Faggiano
- Computational Mechanics & Advanced Material Group, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Paola Maria Cannaò
- Postgraduation School in Radiodiagnostics, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, Milan 20100, Italy
| | - Marco Fedele
- Computational Mechanics & Advanced Material Group, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Silvia Tresoldi
- Unit of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliera San Paolo, Via A. di Rudinì 8, Milan 20142, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Leo
- Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Auricchio
- Computational Mechanics & Advanced Material Group, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), Università degli Studi di Pavia, Via Ferrata 3, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - Francesco Sardanelli
- Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Morandi 30, San Donato Milanese, Milan 20097, Italy
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Pourmorteza A, Chen MY, van der Pals J, Arai AE, McVeigh ER. Correlation of CT-based regional cardiac function (SQUEEZ) with myocardial strain calculated from tagged MRI: an experimental study. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2015; 32:817-23. [PMID: 26706935 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-015-0831-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between local myocardial function estimates from CT and myocardial strain from tagged MRI in the same heart. Accurate detection of regional myocardial dysfunction can be an important finding in the diagnosis of functionally significant coronary artery disease. Tagged MRI is currently a reference standard for noninvasive regional myocardial function analysis; however, it has practical drawbacks. We have developed a CT imaging protocol and automated image analysis algorithm for estimating regional cardiac function from a few heartbeats. This method tracks the motion of the left ventricular (LV) endocardial surface to produce local function maps: we call the method Stretch Quantification of Endocardial Engraved Zones (SQUEEZ). Myocardial infarction was created by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 2 h followed by reperfusion in canine models. Tagged and cine MRI scans were performed during the reperfusion phase and first-pass contrast enhanced CT scans were acquired. The average delay between the CT and MRI scans was <1 h. Circumferential myocardial strain (Ecc) was calculated from the tagged MRI data. The agreement between peak systolic Ecc and SQUEEZ was investigated in 162 segments in the 9 hearts. Linear regression and Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the correlation between the two metrics of local LV function. The results show good agreement between SQUEEZ and Ecc: (r = 0.71, slope = 0.78, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Bland-Altman showed a small bias of -0.02 with 95 % confidence interval of 0.1, and standard deviation of 0.05 representing ~6.5 % of the dynamic range of LV function. The good agreement between the estimates of local myocardial function obtained from CT SQUEEZ and tagged MRI provides encouragement to investigate the use of SQUEEZ for measuring regional cardiac function at a low clinical dose in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Pourmorteza
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Marcus Y Chen
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Cardiopulmonary Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jesper van der Pals
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Cardiopulmonary Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Arai
- Advanced Cardiovascular Imaging Laboratory, Cardiopulmonary Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Elliot R McVeigh
- Departments of Bioengineering, Medicine, and Radiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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Di Leo G, Fisci E, Secchi F, Alì M, Ambrogi F, Sconfienza LM, Sardanelli F. Diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance angiography for detection of coronary artery disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Radiol 2015; 26:3706-18. [DOI: 10.1007/s00330-015-4134-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Zhang LJ, Wang Y, Schoepf UJ, Meinel FG, Bayer RR, Qi L, Cao J, Zhou CS, Zhao YE, Li X, Gong JB, Jin Z, Lu GM. Image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic accuracy of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography at 70 kVp in a clinical setting: comparison with invasive coronary angiography. Eur Radiol 2015; 26:797-806. [PMID: 26382844 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-015-3868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate image quality, radiation dose, and diagnostic performance of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography (CCTA) at 70 kVp compared to invasive coronary angiography (ICA) as reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-three patients underwent prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp using 30 cc (11 g iodine) contrast medium and ICA. Subjective and objective image quality was evaluated for each CCTA study. CCTA performance for diagnosing ≥50% stenosis was assessed. Results were stratified according to heart rate (HR), body mass index (BMI), Agatston score, and image quality. RESULTS At CCTA, 94.3% (500/530) of coronary segments were of diagnostic quality. Using ICA as reference standard, sensitivity and accuracy were 100% and 93.0% on a per-patient basis. Per-vessel and per-segment performances were 92.2% and 89.5%; 79.5% and 88.3%, respectively. No differences were found in diagnostic accuracy between different HR, BMI, and calcification subgroups (all P > 0.05) on a per-patient basis. However, low image quality reduced diagnostic accuracy on a per-patient, per-vessel and per-segment basis (all P < 0.05). The mean effective radiation dose was 0.2 ± 0.0 mSv. CONCLUSION Our presented protocol results in an effective radiation dose of 0.2 mSv and high diagnostic accuracy for stenosis detection in a selected, non-obese population. KEY POINTS Prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch CCTA at 70 kVp is feasible. This protocol has a high diagnostic accuracy for stenosis detection. The mean effective radiation dose was 0.2 ± 0.0 mSv. Only 30 cc of contrast material is used in this protocol. Low image quality reduced diagnostic accuracy of CCTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China.
| | - Yining Wang
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China.,Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Felix G Meinel
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.,Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard R Bayer
- Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, MSC 226, 25 Courtenay Dr, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Li Qi
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chang Sheng Zhou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Yan E Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Xie Li
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Jian Bin Gong
- Department of Cardiology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China
| | - Zhengyu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Guang Ming Lu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210002, China.
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Zhang LJ, Qi L, De Cecco CN, Zhou CS, Spearman JV, Schoepf UJ, Lu GM. High-pitch coronary CT angiography at 70 kVp with low contrast medium volume: comparison of 80 and 100 kVp high-pitch protocols. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e92. [PMID: 25396334 PMCID: PMC4616317 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to evaluate image quality and radiation dose of prospectively electrocardiogram (ECG)-triggered high-pitch coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) at 70 kVp and 30 mL contrast medium.One hundred fifty patients with a heart rate ≤70 beats per minute (bpm) underwent CCTA using a second-generation dual-source computed tomography (CT) scanner and were randomized into 3 groups according to tube voltage and contrast medium volume (370 mg/mL iodine concentration) (100 kVp group, 100 kVp/60 mL, n = 55; 80 kVp group, 80 kVp/60 mL, n = 44; 70 kVp group, 70 kVp/30 mL, n = 51). Objective and subjective image quality along with the effect of heart rate (HR) and body mass index (BMI) was evaluated and compared between the groups. Radiation dose was estimated for each patient.CT attenuation and image noise were higher in the 80 and 70 kVp groups than in the 100 kVp group (all P < 0.001). Signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were lower in the 70 kVp group than in the 80 and 100 kVp groups (all P < 0.05). There was no difference for subjective image quality between the groups (P > 0.05). HR did not affect subjective image quality (all P > 0.05), while patients with BMI <23 kg/m had higher image quality than patients with BMI ≥23 kg/m (P < 0.05). Compared with the 100 kVp group, the radiation dose of the 70 kVp group was reduced by 75%.In conclusion, prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch 70 kVp/30 mL CCTA can obtain diagnostic image quality with lower radiation dose in selected patients with BMI <23 kg/m compared with 80/100 kVp/60 mL CCTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Jiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Imaging, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Feasibility of prospectively ECG-triggered high-pitch coronary CT angiography with 30 mL iodinated contrast agent at 70 kVp: initial experience. Eur Radiol 2014; 24:1537-46. [PMID: 24737530 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-014-3157-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES 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. METHODS 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSION 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. KEY POINTS • 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.
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