Influence of cardiac function on image quality in coronary computed tomography angiography

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Radiology
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is crucial for diagnosing coronary artery disease.
• Image quality in CCTA is influenced by various factors, including patient physiology.
• Understanding the relationship between cardiac function and CCTA image quality is essential for accurate interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between cardiac functional parameters and image quality metrics in CCTA.
• To determine if cardiac output and diastolic function affect CCTA image quality.

Main Methods:

• Sixty-six patients underwent both CCTA and echocardiography.
• Coronary artery attenuation and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured on CCTA.
• Cardiac output (CO), left atrial (LA) volume, and E/e' were assessed via echocardiography.
• Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation, Spearman's rank correlation, and multivariable linear regression.

Main Results:

• Coronary artery attenuation negatively correlated with CO (r=-0.30) and LA volume (r=-0.37).
• CNR negatively correlated with LA volume (r=-0.4) and E/e' (r=-0.27).
• These associations remained significant after multivariable adjustment.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac output and diastolic function significantly impact CCTA image quality.
• Adjusting CCTA protocols may improve image quality in patients with compromised cardiac function.
• This finding aids in optimizing CCTA protocols for better diagnostic accuracy.