Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Coronary CT angiography in obese patients using 3(rd) generation dual-source CT: effect of body mass index on image
Stefanie Mangold1,2, Julian L Wichmann1,3, U Joseph Schoepf4,5
1Division of Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Ashley River Tower, 25 Courtenay Drive, Charleston, SC, 29425-2260, USA.
Objectives:
To evaluate the image quality of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) in obese patients using a 3(rd) generation, dual-source CT scanner.
Methods:
We retrospectively evaluated 102 overweight and obese patients who had undergone CCTA. Studies were performed with 3(rd) generation dual-source CT, prospectively ECG-triggered acquisition at 120 kV, and automated tube current modulation. Advanced modeled iterative reconstruction was used. Patients were divided into three BMI groups: 1)25-29.9 kg/m(2); 2)30-39.9 kg/m(2); 3) ≥ 40 kg/m(2). Vascular attenuation in the coronary arteries was measured. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) was calculated. Image quality was subjectively evaluated using five-point scales.
Results:
Image quality was considered diagnostic in 97.6 % of examinations. CNR was consistently adequate in all groups but decreased for groups 2 and 3 in comparison to group 1 as well as for group 3 compared to group 2 (p = 0.001, respectively). Subjective image quality was significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 3 (attenuation proximal: 4.8 ± 0.4 vs. 4.4 ± 0.6, p = 0.011; attenuation distal: 4.5 ± 0.7 vs. 4.0 ± 0.8, p = 0.019; noise: 4.7 ± 0.6 vs. 3.8 ± 0.7, p < 0.001). The mean effective dose was 9.5 ± 3.9 mSv for group 1, 11.4 ± 4.7 mSv for group 2 and 14.0 ± 6.4 mSv for group 3.
Conclusion:
Diagnostic image quality can be routinely obtained at CCTA in obese patients with 3(rd) generation DSCT at 120 kV.
Key Points:
• Diagnostic CCTA can be routinely performed in obese patients with 3 (rd) generation DSCT. • 120-kV tube voltage allows diagnostic image quality in patients with BMI > 40 kg/m (2) . • 80-ml contrast medium can be administered without significant decline in vascular attenuation.
More Related Videos
06:57Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection
Published on: September 22, 2023
09:32Time-Resolved, Dynamic Computed Tomography Angiography for Characterization of Aortic Endoleaks and Treatment Guidance via 2D-3D Fusion-Imaging
Published on: December 9, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:27Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
01:20Imaging 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...
01:10Computed 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...