Influence of Heart Rate and Innovative Motion-Correction Algorithm on Coronary Artery Image Quality and Measurement Accuracy Using 256-Detector Row Computed Tomography Scanner: Phantom Study

Evaluation of Motion Artifact Correction Technique for Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Image Considering Blood Vessel Geometry

Background: In this study, we present a quantitative method to evaluate the motion artifact correction (MAC) technique through the morphological analysis of blood vessels in the images before and after MAC. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 37 patients who underwent transcatheter chemoembolization were obtained, and images were reconstructed with and without the MAC technique. First, two interventional radiologists selected the blood vessels corrected by MAC. We devised a motion-corrected index (MCI) metric that analyzed the morphology of blood vessels in 3D space using information on the centerline of blood vessels, and the blood vessels selected by the interventional radiologists were quantitatively evaluated using MCI. In addition, these blood vessels were qualitatively evaluated by two interventional radiologists. To validate the effectiveness of the devised MCI, we compared the MCI values in a blood vessel corrected by MAC and one non-corrected by MAC. Results: The visual evaluation revealed that motion correction was found in the images of 23 of 37 patients (62.2%), and a performance evaluation of MAC was performed with 54 blood vessels in 23 patients. The visual grading analysis score was 1.56 ± 0.57 (radiologist 1) and 1.56 ± 0.63 (radiologist 2), and the proposed MCI was 0.67 ± 0.11, indicating that the vascular morphology was well corrected by the MAC. Conclusions: We verified that our proposed method is useful for evaluating the MAC technique of CBCT, and the MAC technique can correct the blood vessels distorted by the patient's movement and respiration.

Cardiac computed tomography angiography in the paediatric population: Expert consensus from the Filiale de cardiologie pédiatrique et congénitale (FCPC) and the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV)

This paper aims to provide a paediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography expert panel consensus based on the opinions of experts from the Société française d'imagerie cardiaque et vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and the Filiale de cardiologie pédiatrique congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, computed tomography angiography radiation dose reduction techniques and postprocessing techniques. We think that to realize its full potential and to avoid pitfalls, cardiac computed tomography angiography in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, paediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible, to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provide a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.

Clinical Applications of Wide-Detector CT Scanners for Cardiothoracic Imaging: An Update

Technical developments in multidetector computed tomography (CT) have increased the number of detector rows on the z-axis, and 16-cm wide-area-coverage CT scanners have enabled volumetric scanning of the entire heart. Beyond coronary arterial imaging, such innovations offer several advantages during clinical imaging in the cardiothoracic area. The wide-detector CT scanner markedly reduces the image acquisition time to less than 1 second for coronary CT angiography, thereby decreasing the volume of contrast material and radiation dose required for the examination. It also eliminates stair-step artifacts, allowing robust improvements in myocardial function and perfusion imaging. Additionally, new imaging techniques for the cardiothoracic area, including subtraction imaging and free-breathing scans, have been developed and further improved by using the wide-detector CT scanner. This article investigates the technical developments in wide-detector CT scanners, summarizes their clinical applications in the cardiothoracic area, and provides a review of the recent literature.

Pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography: Expert consensus from the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique et Congénitale (FCPC) and the Société Française d'Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV)

This article was designed to provide a pediatric cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) expert panel consensus based on opinions of experts of the Société Française d'Imagerie Cardiaque et Vasculaire diagnostique et interventionnelle (SFICV) and of the Filiale de Cardiologie Pédiatrique Congénitale (FCPC). This expert panel consensus includes recommendations for indications, patient preparation, CTA radiation dose reduction techniques, and post-processing techniques. The consensus was based on data from available literature (original papers, reviews and guidelines) and on opinions of a group of specialists with extensive experience in the use of CT imaging in congenital heart disease. In order to reach high potential and avoid pitfalls, CCTA in children with congenital heart disease requires training and experience. Moreover, pediatric cardiac CCTA protocols should be standardized to acquire optimal images in this population with the lowest radiation dose possible to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. We also provided a suggested structured report and a list of acquisition protocols and technical parameters in relation to specific vendors.