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History of cardiac computed tomography: single to 320-detector row multislice computed tomography
Gregory S Hurlock1, Hiroshi Higashino, Teruhito Mochizuki
1Department of Radiology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
Insights
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has advanced significantly, offering detailed imaging of heart anatomy and function. Innovations in cardiac CT now provide alternatives to invasive procedures for diagnosing coronary artery disease and assessing heart health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular imaging
- Medical diagnostics
- Radiology
Background:
- Computed tomography (CT) has evolved over 30 years, driven by the need for advanced cardiac imaging.
- Imaging the heart requires exceptional temporal, spatial, and contrast resolution, exceeding that of most other organs.
Observation:
- Significant progress has been made in CT for evaluating coronary artery stenosis and plaque composition.
- CT techniques are increasingly used to assess cardiac function, including perfusion, wall motion, and valve function.
Findings:
- Cardiac CT is becoming a valuable tool for diagnosing coronary artery disease and assessing cardiac function.
- It serves as an adjunct or replacement for invasive coronary angiography and other imaging modalities like SPECT, ultrasound, and MRI.
Implications:
- Cardiac CT offers a less invasive approach to cardiac assessment, improving diagnostic capabilities.
- Continued innovation in cardiac CT promises further advancements in non-invasive cardiovascular evaluation and patient care.
Abstract:
Since the introduction of computed tomography (CT) over 30 years ago, the challenge of imaging the beating heart has been a driving force in the innovation of cardiac CT. Imaging the anatomy and physiology of the heart demands temporal, spatial and contrast resolution is arguably greater than for any other organ system in the body. Great progress has been achieved in using CT to evaluate coronary artery stenosis and plaque composition. In addition, techniques to evaluate cardiac function, including myocardial perfusion, regional ventricular wall motion, systolic thickening, ejection fraction, valve function, and congenital cardiac abnormalities are also gaining a foothold in clinical practice as adjuncts to or replacements for invasive coronary angiography, cardiac single photon emission CT (SPECT) imaging, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This review summarizes the major accomplishments and future directions in this field, with emphasis on developments over the past 10 years.
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