Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 14, 2025

Combined Near-infrared Fluorescent Imaging and Micro-computed Tomography for Directly Visualizing Cerebral Thromboemboli
13:10

Combined Near-infrared Fluorescent Imaging and Micro-computed Tomography for Directly Visualizing Cerebral Thromboemboli

Published on: September 25, 2016

10.1K

Cardiovascular thrombotic complications in acute ischemic stroke assessed by chest spectral computed tomography

Gaston A Rodriguez-Granillo1,2, Juan J Cirio3, Celina Ciardi3

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Imaging, ENERI Medical Institute, La Sagrada Familia Clinic, Buenos Aires, Argentina - grodriguezgranillo@gmail.com.

Minerva Cardiology and Angiology
|March 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

This study introduces a low-dose chest CT protocol using dual-layer spectral technology for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. It efficiently detects pulmonary and cardiac issues, aiding in ruling out cardioembolic sources.

Area of Science:

  • Radiology
  • Cardiology
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Pandemic conditions necessitated adaptations in diagnostic algorithms due to reduced medical staff and contamination risks.
  • COVID-19 is associated with increased thrombotic complications, requiring enhanced diagnostic capabilities for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.
  • Dual-layer spectral computed tomography (CT) technology offers advanced imaging capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To standardize technical aspects of delayed-phase, low-dose chest spectral CT in AIS patients.
  • To evaluate the utility of this imaging technique in identifying cardioembolic sources and assessing pulmonary/myocardial injury.
  • To present a novel, safer, and cost-effective diagnostic strategy.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized low-dose, non-gated, chest CT scans performed five minutes post-contrast administration in AIS patients undergoing cerebrovascular CT angiography.
  • Employed dual-layer spectral CT technology, enabling multiparametric analysis including virtual monoenergetic imaging and iodine-based results.
  • Integrated lung parenchyma evaluation, cardioembolic source exclusion, and assessment of pulmonary/myocardial injury in a single imaging session.

Main Results:

  • The novel strategy allows for simultaneous evaluation of lung parenchyma, exclusion of cardioembolic sources, and detection of pulmonary and myocardial injury.
  • Dual-layer spectral CT provides virtual monoenergetic imaging and iodine-based results, enhancing diagnostic information.
  • The technique offers a non-invasive, accurate, and safer alternative to traditional methods like transesophageal echocardiogram and cardiac CT.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed-phase, low-dose chest spectral CT is a valuable tool for comprehensive cardiovascular and pulmonary assessment in AIS patients.
  • This method provides a safer, more efficient, and potentially cheaper alternative for ruling out cardioembolic sources.
  • The adopted strategy addresses pandemic-related challenges by optimizing diagnostic workflows in neurology and cardiology.

More Related Videos

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke09:21

Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Published on: January 18, 2018

12.3K
Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease12:15

Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease

Published on: February 8, 2022

2.7K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
132
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
79
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography01:17

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System I:Echocardiography

Cardiac imaging studies encompass a wide range of noninvasive and minimally invasive techniques designed to visualize the heart's structure and function in detail. One such technique is echocardiography, which uses high-frequency ultrasound waves to produce detailed images of the heart, known as echocardiograms.
Indications: Echocardiography is utilized to diagnose heart failure, valve disorders, and myocardial infarction. It also assesses cardiac structures' size, shape, and motion,...
568
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
207
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:29

Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

Diagnosing Pulmonary EmbolismDiagnosing pulmonary embolism (PE) involves clinical assessment and advanced imaging tests. The preferred diagnostic tool is the spiral (helical) CT scan or CT angiography (CTA), which uses intravenous contrast media to visualize the pulmonary vasculature and identify emboli.A ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan is an alternative for patients unable to receive contrast media. This scan includes both perfusion and ventilation scanning. Perfusion scanning involves...
108
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
267