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[Assessment of ischemic heart disease with electron-beam CT and MR imaging]
1Department of Radiology, Hiroshima University School of Medicine.
Insights
Electron-beam CT and MR imaging offer non-invasive ways to assess coronary artery disease and cardiac function. These advanced techniques help predict atherosclerosis and prevent acute coronary syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Diagnostic Radiology
- Medical Physics
Context:
- Cardiac imaging relies on anatomical and functional data from diagnostic modalities.
- Catheter coronary angiography was the traditional method for visualizing coronary artery stenosis.
- Newer techniques aim to non-invasively screen for coronary atherosclerosis.
Purpose:
- To review technical developments in coronary artery imaging and cardiac functional imaging.
- To focus on screening for coronary atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndrome.
- To highlight the role of electron-beam CT and MR imaging in cardiovascular assessment.
Summary:
- Electron-beam CT provides quantitative assessment of coronary calcifications, aiding in atherosclerosis risk prediction.
- Electron-beam CT and MR imaging enable non-invasive visualization of coronary artery stenosis.
- MR imaging is being explored for characterizing vulnerable atheromatous plaque to predict rupture and prevent acute coronary syndrome.
Impact:
- These modalities offer comprehensive assessment for ischemic heart disease.
- Non-invasive plaque characterization may enable early detection and prevention of acute coronary syndrome in asymptomatic individuals.
- Advancements in electron-beam CT and MR imaging enhance the non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery disease.
Abstract:
Anatomical and functional information derived from diagnostic modalities is essential in cardiac imaging. Electron-beam CT and MR imaging have played a role in the assessment of cardiac function, and recent developments in both modalities have permitted non-invasive visualization of coronary artery stenosis, which previously had been demonstrated exclusively by catheter coronary angiography. In this article, coronary artery imaging and cardiac functional imaging were reviewed by focusing on new technical developments in the screening of coronary atherosclerosis leading to acute coronary syndrome. Quantitative assessment of coronary calcifications by electron-beam CT has already become one of the most useful techniques for predicting the degree of coronary atherosclerosis and the risk of coronary events in individual patients. Electron-beam CT and MR imaging have also provided non-invasive clinical tools with which to demonstrate coronary artery stenosis. Visualization and characterization of atheromatous plaque at the coronary artery has recently been attempted with MR imaging, since this might lead to the detection of coronary artery plaque that was likely to rupture, thereby possibly predicting and preventing acute coronary syndrome in asymptomatic individuals. Although electron-beam CT and MR imaging have not been fully incorporated into routine clinical practice, each could serve as a comprehensive modality for the assessment of ischemic heart disease.