Comparison of global left ventricular function using 20 phases with 10-phase reconstructions in multidetector-row...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Medical Physics
• Radiology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of global left-ventricular (LV) function is crucial for diagnosing and managing cardiovascular diseases.
• Multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) is increasingly used for cardiac imaging, but optimal reconstruction phase selection for LV function assessment is debated.
• Comparing different reconstruction phases can refine MDCT protocols for improved efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the measurement of global LV function parameters using 64-slice MDCT with 20- vs. 10-reconstruction phases.
• To assess the agreement of MDCT-derived LV function parameters with 2D-transthoracic echocardiography (2D-TTE).
• To evaluate the time efficiency of different reconstruction phase protocols for MDCT data analysis.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-five patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease underwent 64-slice MDCT.
• LV end-diastolic volume (EDV), end-systolic volume (ESV), stroke volume (SV), and ejection fraction (EF) were measured using threshold-based volume segmentation at 20 phases (5% intervals) and 10 phases (10% intervals).
• MDCT results were compared to 2D-TTE using Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman analysis; data analysis time was recorded.

Main Results:

• LV volumes (EDV, ESV, SV) and EF showed no significant differences between 20- and 10-phase reconstructions.
• Both 20- and 10-phase reconstructions demonstrated good to excellent correlation (r = 0.786-0.896) with 2D-TTE reference values.
• MDCT data analysis time was significantly shorter for 10-phase reconstruction (7.3 ± 2.5 min) compared to 20-phase reconstruction (15.5 ± 4.0 min).

Conclusions:

• Ten-phase reconstruction in 64-slice MDCT is sufficient for accurate assessment of global LV volumes and ejection fraction.
• The 10-phase reconstruction protocol offers a more time-effective approach for MDCT data analysis compared to the 20-phase protocol.
• These findings support the use of 10-phase reconstruction for routine clinical evaluation of LV function by MDCT, enhancing workflow efficiency.