Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Retrospective Cardiac Gating with A Prototype Small-Animal X-ray Computed Tomograph
Published on: February 21, 2025
Gender influence on dose saving allowed by prospective-triggered 64-slice multidetector computed tomography coronary
Antonio Esposito1, Francesco De Cobelli, Caterina Colantoni
1Department of Radiology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute University, Milan, Italy. esposito.antonio@hsr.it
Background/Objectives:
To assess the gender influence on radiation dose saving allowed by prospective ECG-triggered MDCT coronary angiography (P-MDCT-CA) in comparison with retrospective ECG-gated MDCT-CA (R-MDCT-CA). The influence of kilovoltage and body mass index on radiation dose and the impact of different parameters on image quality (IQ) and diagnostic confidence (DC), were also determined.
Methods:
64-slice MDCT-CA was performed in 176 patients: 66 R-MDCT-CA and 110 P-MDCT-CA. Effective dose was determined using ImpactDose software based on Monte Carlo method. Three point scales were used to assess IQ and DC on a segmental basis.
Results:
Patients were divided into 4 groups according with the examination performed: group A (90 pts, coronary tree assessment with P-MDCT-CA); group B (55 pts, coronary tree assessment with R-MDCT-CA); group C (20 pts, bypass grafts assessment with P-MDCT-CA); and group D (11 pts, bypass grafts assessment with R-MDCT-CA). Effective dose was 68% lower for P-MDCT-CA than R-MDCT-CA for coronary artery studies (Gr. A=4.7 ± 1.69 mSv and Gr. B=14.9 ± 4.4 mSv; p<0.05) and 63% lower for by-pass studies. Effective dose resulted significantly higher in women than in men who underwent R-MDCT-CA; conversely, no gender impact was observed on effective dose of P-MDCT-CA. As a result, dose saving with prospective gating was more pronounced in women (73%; R-MDCT-CA:16.3 mSv, P-MDCT-CA:4.5 mSv,) than in men (60%; R-MDCT-CA:12.8 mSv, P-MDCT-CA:4.8 mSv). IQ and DC of P-MDCT-CA were better or comparable than R-MDCT-CA CONCLUSIONS: P-MDCT-CA provides at least comparable IQ and DC than R-MDCT-CA with significant dose saving. This study highlights the important advantage offered by using P-MDCT-CA in female patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Computed Tomography
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...

