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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
Myocardial perfusion imaging to assess ischemia using multislice computed tomography
Jacob M van Werkhoven1, Joanne D Schuijf, Jeroen J Bax
1Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. j.m.van_werkhoven@lumc.nl
Insights
Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography can now assess myocardial perfusion. This advanced imaging technique shows potential for evaluating both coronary anatomy and blood flow in a single, noninvasive procedure.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular imaging
- Medical diagnostics
- Radiology
Background:
- Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography accurately visualizes coronary anatomy but lacks functional assessment.
- Current limitations prevent determining the functional significance of detected coronary lesions.
- Myocardial infarction and viability can be assessed using MSCT perfusion imaging at rest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the feasibility of myocardial perfusion imaging using MSCT.
- To explore the potential clinical applications of MSCT for assessing myocardial perfusion.
- To investigate the capability of MSCT to determine ischemia through stress perfusion imaging.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing recent advancements in MSCT scanner technology for myocardial perfusion imaging.
- Performing rest and stress perfusion imaging with MSCT.
- Assessing myocardial viability through delayed enhancement imaging.
Main Results:
- MSCT perfusion imaging demonstrates potential for detecting myocardial infarction and assessing viability.
- The capability of MSCT to detect ischemia during stress is under investigation.
- Limited data suggest MSCT can assess both coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion.
Conclusions:
- MSCT myocardial perfusion imaging is feasible and shows promise for clinical use.
- This technique offers the potential for a comprehensive, noninvasive assessment of coronary artery disease.
- Future research is needed to fully establish the role of MSCT perfusion imaging in clinical practice.
Abstract:
Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) coronary angiography is an accurate noninvasive anatomic imaging technique; but it cannot determine the functional relevance of the lesions it detects. However, MSCT perfusion imaging can detect the presence of myocardial infarction during rest and assess viability using delayed enhancement. With recent developments in MSCT scanner technology, it has become possible to image myocardial perfusion and the capability of MSCT to determine the presence of ischemia through perfusion imaging during stress is currently being investigated. Although only limited data are available, noninvasive imaging with MSCT has the potential to assess both coronary anatomy and myocardial perfusion in one procedure. This article describes the feasibility of myocardial perfusion imaging using MSCT and its potential use in clinical practice.
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