Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
The comparison of high and standard definition computed tomography techniques regarding coronary artery imaging
Aktas Aykut1, Degirmenci Bumin1, Yilmaz Omer1
1Suleyman Demirel University, Radiology Dept.
Insights
High-definition CT (HDCT) offers improved accuracy for coronary artery imaging compared to standard-definition CT (SDCT), despite a higher radiation dose. HDCT provides better attenuation and spatial resolution for precise measurements.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Radiology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Coronary artery disease diagnosis relies on accurate imaging.
- Standard-definition CT (SDCT) angiography is widely used.
- Advancements in CT technology, such as high-definition CT (HDCT), aim to improve diagnostic capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare high-definition CT (HDCT) and standard-definition CT (SDCT) angiography.
- Evaluate differences in radiation dose, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy.
- Assess the performance of HDCT versus SDCT for coronary artery imaging.
Main Methods:
- 28 patients with coronary artery disease underwent both HDCT and SDCT angiography.
- Coronary arteries were analyzed for vessel diameters and attenuation values.
- Image quality was assessed for artifacts, and accuracy was compared between CT types.
Main Results:
- HDCT demonstrated higher radiation doses than SDCT.
- Image quality showed no significant difference between HDCT and SDCT.
- HDCT exhibited superior vessel attenuation and spatial resolution, enhancing measurement accuracy.
Conclusions:
- HDCT provides improved measurement accuracy for coronary arteries due to enhanced attenuation and spatial resolution.
- While HDCT involves a higher radiation dose, its diagnostic benefits in accuracy are notable.
- The findings suggest HDCT is a valuable tool for detailed coronary artery assessment.
Objective:
The aim was to compare coronary high-definition CT (HDCT) with standard-definition CT (SDCT) angiography as to radiation dose, image quality and accuracy.
Material And Methods:
28 patients with history of coronary artery disease scanned by HDCT (Discovery CT750 HD) and SDCT (Somatom Definition AS). The scan modes were both axial prospective ECG-triggered. The vessel diameters and vessel attenuation values of totally 280 measurements from 140 coronary arteries were analyzed by two experienced radiologists. All data was analyzed by intraclass correlation test. Image quality graded by motion and stair step artifacts (grade 1, poor, to grade 4, excellent), accuracy of vessel inner and outer diameters were compared between the two CT units using the independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test.
Results:
The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of measured vessel attenuation values in SDCT between the two radiologists was exceedingly good. The ICC was higher in HDCT. The radiation dose of HDCT was higher than that of SDCT. The mean tube current was 180 (mA) in HDCT and 147(mA) in SDCT with the same tube voltage (kVp). There was no significant difference between image quality.
Conclusion:
HDCT has a higher radiation dose but has much more atenuation and the spatial resolution which improve measurement accuracy for imaging coronary arteries.
More Related Videos
06:57Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection
Published on: September 22, 2023
10:16Retrograde Perfusion and Filling of Mouse Coronary Vasculature as Preparation for Micro Computed Tomography Imaging
Published on: February 10, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: 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 for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography