Applying dual energy computed tomography to postmortem coronary computed tomographic angiography

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Forensic Pathology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Postmortem computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used by medical examiners.
• Dual energy CT (DECT) has potential in postmortem imaging, but its application in postmortem coronary CT angiography (PMcCTA) is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate if DECT can differentiate between two contrast agents with different properties after PMcCTA.
• To assess the capability of DECT for simultaneous characterization of coronary artery patency and myocardial perfusion.

Main Methods:

• Phantoms with iodine and gadolinium contrast agents were imaged using DECT.
• Ex vivo porcine hearts underwent PMcCTA with sequential injection of gadolinium and iodinated contrast agents.
• DECT imaging and post-processing using SyngoVia software were performed.

Main Results:

• DECT successfully discriminated between iodinated and gadolinium agents using a material separation ratio.
• The iodinated agent isolated epicardial vessels, while the gadolinium agent characterized myocardial perfusion.

Conclusions:

• DECT can differentiate between lipophilic iodinated and aqueous gadolinium contrast agents in ex vivo PMcCTA.
• This technique allows simultaneous assessment of vascular patency and myocardial perfusion changes.