Tsai IC, Lee T, Chen MC, Fu YC, Jan SL, Wang CC, Chang Y. Visualization of neonatal coronary arteries on multidetector row CT: ECG-gated versus non-ECG-gated technique.
Pediatr Radiol 2007;
37:818-25. [PMID:
17562037 DOI:
10.1007/s00247-007-0512-3]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2007] [Revised: 04/12/2007] [Accepted: 04/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Multidetector CT (MDCT) seems to be a promising tool for detection of neonatal coronary arteries, but whether the ECG-gated or non-ECG-gated technique should be used has not been established.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the detection rate and image quality of neonatal coronary arteries on MDCT using ECG-gated and non-ECG-gated techniques.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twelve neonates with complex congenital heart disease were included. The CT scan was acquired using an ECG-gated technique, and the most quiescent phase of the RR interval was selected to represent the ECG-gated images. The raw data were then reconstructed without the ECG signal to obtain non-ECG-gated images. The detection rate and image quality of nine coronary artery segments in the two sets of images were then compared. A two-tailed paired t test was used with P values <0.05 considered as statistically significant.
RESULTS
In all coronary segments the ECG-gated technique had a better detection rate and produced images of better quality. The difference between the two techniques ranged from 25% in the left main coronary artery to 100% in the distal right coronary artery.
CONCLUSION
For neonates referred for MDCT, if evaluation of coronary artery anatomy is important for the clinical management or surgical planning, the ECG-gated technique should be used because it can reliably detect the coronary arteries.
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