Detection of left ventricular dysfunction on axial non-contrast chest CT

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, encompassing both systolic and diastolic impairments, is a critical indicator of cardiac health.
• Accurate and accessible methods for diagnosing LV dysfunction are essential for timely clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the diagnostic performance of axial non-contrast computed tomography (CT) in identifying left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
• To determine specific CT imaging parameters that correlate with LV dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 178 participants who underwent both transthoracic ultrasonography and non-contrast chest CT.
• Patients were categorized into groups based on LV systolic dysfunction, LV diastolic dysfunction, and normal LV function, defined by established echocardiographic criteria.
• Various LV and cardiac dimensions measured on axial CT images were evaluated as predictive factors for LV dysfunction.

Main Results:

• A maximum transverse cardiac diameter (parameter IV) exceeding 131.2 mm indicated LV systolic dysfunction with 71.8% sensitivity and 77.0% specificity.
• A ratio of maximum left atrium anteroposterior diameter to anteroposterior thoracic diameter (parameter III/anteroposterior thoracic diameter) greater than 0.165 identified LV diastolic dysfunction with 77.8% sensitivity and 83.0% specificity.

Conclusions:

• Axial non-contrast CT imaging demonstrates utility in detecting left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
• Incidental findings on CT scans performed for other reasons can provide valuable information regarding LV function, potentially prompting further investigation.