[Multi-slice spiral CT of the coronary arteries: clear vascular imaging using standard software]

To visualize the coronary arteries with a clear view and over a long distance by using data sets from contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the heart.

Image data of 151 patients suffering from coronary artery disease were calculated by means of retrospective triggering at four different diastolic delay times in contrast-enhanced CT. The large coronary segments were subsequently reconstructed in two planes with multiplanar volume reconstruction (MPVR)--a non-dedicated postprocessing software.

On the pre-condition that data sets were acquired at sinus rhythm and at a heart beat rate lower than 65/min coronary arteries could be depicted over a long distance in single or double angulated reconstruction planes with the help of multiplanar volume reconstruction (MPVR). Time consumption for image reconstruction was reasonable. Additionally to the anatomy of the coronary arteries in two different planes, typical CT findings in occluding coronary artery disease are presented.

Multiplanar volume reconstruction (MPVR) implemented on most workstations is a powerful and ideal postprocessing tool in reconstructing coronary arteries from contrast-enhanced CT data sets.