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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Spectral coronary multidetector computed tomography angiography: dual benefit by facilitating plaque characterization
Daniel T Boll1, Martin H Hoffmann, Nadine Huber
1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Ulm, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany. daniel.boll@gmail.com
Insights
Dual-energy (DE) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) successfully characterizes tissues in atherosclerotic coronary arteries. This advanced imaging technique improves visualization of the coronary lumen and plaque composition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Atherosclerosis affects coronary arteries, leading to lumen narrowing and increased cardiovascular risk.
- Accurate characterization of atherosclerotic plaque composition is crucial for risk stratification.
- Dual-energy (DE) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) offers potential for improved tissue differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate DE MDCT for assessing ex vivo atherosclerotic coronary arteries.
- To correlate imaging findings with histopathology.
- To assess the capability of DE MDCT in differentiating various plaque components.
Main Methods:
- Ex vivo coronary arteries were imaged using a 16-slice MDCT with a DE protocol (90 and 140 kV).
- Iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents were used.
- DE K-edge subtractions were performed, and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated for different tissue types.
Main Results:
- DE MDCT successfully distinguished between various tissue types within the coronary arteries.
- Significant increases in CNR were observed for vascular wall and fibromuscular plaque using DE techniques compared to single-energy (140 kV) protocols.
Conclusions:
- Spectral DE MDCT imaging enables effective tissue characterization of ex vivo atherosclerotic coronary arteries.
- DE MDCT enhances the depiction of the coronary lumen and plaque morphology.
Objective:
To assess ex vivo specimens of atherosclerotic coronary arteries by dual energy (DE) multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) imaging, and to correlate depicted vessel lumen morphology and detected tissue characteristics with histopathologic analysis.
Methods:
Coronary arteries were imaged on a 16-slice MDCT using a DE protocol consisting of a 90- and 140-kV scan. Coronary arteries were perfused with iodine- and gadolinium-based contrast agents. The DE K-edge subtractions were performed. Regions-of-interest were placed on histopathologically/radiographically-matched vascular lumen and wall, fibromuscular and calcified plaque, and fat tissues. Vascular/tissue contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated, and their dependence on tissue type and contrast agent type was statistically evaluated.
Results:
Tissue CNR analysis confirmed that all tissue types were successfully distinguished. Vascular wall and fibromuscular plaque achieved a significant increase in CNR ratios when DE techniques were used compared with 140 kV protocols.
Conclusions:
Spectral DE MDCT imaging of ex vivo atherosclerotic coronary arteries allows successful tissue characterization and enhances depiction of coronary lumen.
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