Related Experiment Videos
Thoracic aorta at multi-detector row CT: motion artifact with various reconstruction windows
Gareth J Morgan-Hughes1, Patrick E Owens, Andrew J Marshall
1Departments of Cardiology and Radiology, South West Cardiothoracic Centre, Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford Rd, Plymouth PL6 8DH, England. hughesgj@talk21.com
Radiology
|June 24, 2003
Summary
Heart rate significantly impacts motion artifact in thoracic aorta computed tomography (CT) imaging. Optimal ECG-gated reconstruction phases depend on patient heart rate for reduced artifact.
Area of Science:
- Radiology and Imaging
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Motion artifact is a common challenge in thoracic aorta imaging using multi-detector row computed tomography (CT).
- Retrospective electrocardiographic (ECG) gating is employed to minimize cardiac motion during CT acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the relationship between heart rate and motion artifact in the thoracic aorta.
- To determine the optimal reconstruction phase for minimizing motion artifact based on heart rate.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-five patients undergoing multi-detector row CT with retrospective ECG gating were studied.
- CT reconstructions were analyzed at four diastolic phases across five thoracic aorta levels.
- Correlation between heart rate and motion artifact was statistically evaluated.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation (r = 0.72, P <.001) was found between heart rate and motion artifact.
- The optimal reconstruction phase varied individually and was directly related to heart rate.
- For heart rates ≤70 bpm, 75% of the R-R interval yielded least artifact (P =.004); for >70 bpm, 50% was optimal (P =.09).
Conclusions:
- Patient heart rate is a critical determinant of motion artifact in thoracic aorta CT.
- Tailoring the ECG-gated reconstruction phase to individual heart rate can significantly reduce motion artifact.
- This optimization improves image quality for thoracic aorta assessment.