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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:29
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
Cardiac multidetector computed tomography: basic physics of image acquisition and clinical applications
1Director of Cardiac Radiology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd - CR 135, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
Current Cardiology Reviews
|November 26, 2009
Summary
This review explains multi-detector CT (MDCT) scanner physics, covering detector types, configurations, and gating methods. Understanding these factors optimizes cardiac CT imaging performance and radiation dose.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging Physics
Background:
- Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is essential for cardiac imaging.
- Optimizing MDCT scanner capabilities requires understanding imaging physics.
- Cardiac MDCT extends beyond coronary artery imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide key information on MDCT scanner differences.
- To explain how scanner characteristics influence image quality and radiation dose.
- To guide the optimization of cardiac CT imaging.
Main Methods:
- Review of MDCT scanner technologies (64-320 detectors, flat panels, single/dual source).
- Analysis of acquisition techniques (step-and-shoot prospective/retrospective gating).
- Evaluation of factors affecting radiation dose, spatial resolution, temporal resolution, and image noise.
Main Results:
- Different MDCT scanner configurations significantly impact imaging performance.
- Acquisition parameters like gating directly influence radiation exposure and image quality.
- Understanding these technical aspects is crucial for effective cardiac CT utilization.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of MDCT physics is vital for maximizing scanner capabilities in cardiac imaging.
- Tailoring scanner selection and protocols based on physics principles improves diagnostic accuracy.
- Cardiac MDCT offers advanced applications beyond coronary artery visualization.
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