In vitro measurements of flow using multislice computed tomography (MSCT)

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Radiology

Background:

• Assessing blood flow in stenotic vessels is crucial for cardiovascular health.
• Traditional imaging methods may have limitations in accurately quantifying flow dynamics in narrowed arteries.
• Advancements in multislice computed tomography (CT) technology offer potential for improved vascular assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro feasibility of assessing blood flow in normal and obstructed vessels using multislice CT scanners.
• To determine the accuracy of CT-based flow assessment in simulated arterial stenoses.

Main Methods:

• An in vitro experimental model simulating aorta and coronary arteries using silicone tubes.
• Perfusion of water through the model with a pulsatile pump and contrast agent injection.
• CT measurements using 16- and 64-slice scanners with analysis of temporal density changes in vessel cross-sections.

Main Results:

• The 16-slice CT system could exclude ≥80% stenosis with 99% probability if the density increase quotient slope was >0.79.
• A peak density quotient >0.94 indicated a ≥70% stenosis with 99% probability.
• The 64-slice system effectively discriminated ≥80% stenosis grades, and the in vitro approach was validated in an in vivo model.

Conclusions:

• Multislice CT scanners with adequate spatial, contrast, and temporal resolution can qualitatively and semiquantitatively assess flow changes in stenotic vessels.
• This in vitro study validates the potential of CT technology for evaluating vascular stenosis and flow dynamics.