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Technical development in cardiac CT: current standards and future improvements-a narrative review
Patrizia Toia1, Ludovico La Grutta2, Giulia Sollami1
1Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostic (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy
|December 31, 2020
Summary
Computed tomography (CT) advancements enable non-invasive coronary artery assessment. Cardiac CT (CCT) now faces challenges in plaque characterization, functional evaluation, and radiation dose reduction, with ongoing improvements discussed.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
Background:
- Non-invasive coronary artery imaging using computed tomography (CT) has historically presented significant challenges.
- Technological progress in spatial, temporal, and contrast resolution has been crucial for establishing the current clinical utility of CT in coronary artery assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technological evolution of CT scanners, focusing on hardware and software advancements.
- To discuss the current challenges and future directions in cardiac computed tomography (CCT).
Main Methods:
- Review of technological advancements in CT hardware and software solutions.
- Analysis of improvements in spatial, temporal, and contrast resolution for cardiac imaging.
Main Results:
- CT technology has evolved significantly, enabling its current role in assessing coronary arteries.
- Key challenges remain in plaque characterization, functional assessment of stenosis, and radiation dose reduction.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac CT has progressed substantially, offering non-invasive coronary artery evaluation.
- Future research and development in CCT will focus on addressing plaque characterization, functional assessment, and dose optimization.
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