Related Experiment Videos
Multidetector row CT coronary angiography: technique and preliminary experience
A Romagnoli1, A Nisini, R Gandini
1Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini e Radiologia Interventistica, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy. Andrea.Romagnoli@Jumpy.it
La Radiologia Medica
|September 11, 2002
Summary
Multi-slice CT coronary angiography is a promising technique for visualizing coronary arteries, especially in patients with controlled heart rates. This method shows potential for routine clinical use in screening and follow-up after procedures.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease diagnosis often relies on invasive procedures.
- Non-invasive imaging modalities are crucial for early detection and management.
- Multi-slice CT coronary angiography (MSCT CA) offers a potential alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preliminary experience with multi-slice spiral CT coronary angiography.
- To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of MSCT CA in visualizing coronary arteries.
- To determine the potential role of MSCT CA in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- 50 volunteers underwent multi-detector row CT coronary angiography with retrospective ECG gating.
- Contrast medium was administered, and patients with heart rates >70 bpm received beta-blockers.
- CT angiograms were reconstructed at different diastolic phases to minimize motion artifacts.
Main Results:
- CT room occupation time averaged 27 minutes, with 40 minutes for post-processing.
- 113 out of 132 arteries were assessable; 14.4% had motion artifacts, and 1.5% had calcifications.
- Findings included normal arteries (54.5%), minimal irregularities (<50% stenosis) (21.2%), and significant stenoses (>50%) (5.3%).
Conclusions:
- MSCT coronary angiography is a promising technique for coronary artery visualization.
- It demonstrates good potential for routine clinical practice, particularly in selected patients.
- MSCT CA could be valuable for post-interventional follow-up and mass screening.