Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 10, 2025

In Vivo Quantitative Assessment of Myocardial Structure, Function, Perfusion and Viability Using Cardiac Micro-computed Tomography
Published on: February 16, 2016
Added Value of Transluminal Attenuation Gradient to Qualitative CCTA Ischemia Detection as Determined by 13N-ammonia
Andrea Monroy-Gonzalez1, Erick Alexanderson-Rosas2,3, Oscar Perez-Orpinel2
1Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Transluminal attenuation gradient (TAG) represents the slope of intraluminal contrast that decreases along a coronary vessel during coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). The aim of this study was to determine the added value of TAG to qualitative CCTA assessment of significant stenosis (>50%) detecting ischemia as determined by stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) or myocardial flow reserve (MFR) measured by positron emission tomography (PET). Individual contributions of TAG, qualitative assessment and the impact of calcium score were also investigated.
Methods:
We studied 38 consecutive patients that were referred due to suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD). All patients underwent a two-phase hybrid 13N-ammonia PET/CT and CCTA.
Results:
TAG and presence of qualitatively assessed significant stenosis, but not calcium score, were associated with stress myocardial blood flow (MBF) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR). The area under the curves (AUC) of the linear predictor model including qualitative assessment and TAG was superior to the AUC of separate qualitative assessment or TAG for the detection of ischemia according to stress MBF (AUCs were: 88% vs. 79% and 77%; p = 0.01 and p = 0.01, respectively).
Conclusions:
TAG combined with qualitative CCTA assessment improved ischemia detection.
More Related Videos
11:09High-Resolution Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Small Animals
Published on: December 16, 2022
10:02Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography FDG-PET/CT
Published on: May 2, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Assessment of Diffusion and Perfusion
The Role of Diffusion in Respiration
Diffusion is the process by which molecules move from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. In the respiratory system, this...