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Three-dimensional visualization of the coronary venous system using multidetector row computed tomography.
Hiroshi Tada1, Kenji Kurosaki, Shigeto Naito
1Divisions of Cardiology, Gunma Prefectural Cardiovascular Center, Maebashi, Japan. tada.h@cvc.pref.gunma.jp
Summary
Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) effectively visualizes the coronary venous system (CVS) in most patients. This non-invasive imaging provides valuable anatomical insights for cardiovascular assessments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Anatomical Visualization
Background:
- Assessing the coronary venous system (CVS) anatomy is crucial for cardiovascular health.
- Non-invasive imaging techniques are sought for CVS evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility and image quality of contrast-enhanced multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) for visualizing the CVS.
- To evaluate the diagnostic performance of MDCT in depicting coronary veins.
Main Methods:
- Seventy patients underwent contrast-enhanced MDCT scans.
- Six cardiac cycle datasets were acquired per patient.
- Three-dimensional reconstructions were used to analyze coronary vein visualization and image quality.
Main Results:
- MDCT successfully visualized the CVS in 91% of patients.
- Coronary sinus and middle cardiac vein were consistently identified.
- Image quality varied, with systole-acquired data showing larger diameters but more artifacts than diastole-acquired data.
Conclusions:
- Multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) is a viable non-invasive method for evaluating coronary venous system (CVS) anatomy.
- MDCT offers valuable anatomical information in the majority of patients studied.