Evaluation of the optimal image reconstruction interval for coronary artery imaging using 64-slice computed tomography

2007 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 620-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Weininger ◽  
C. Ritter ◽  
M. Beer ◽  
D. Hahn ◽  
M. Beissert

Background: Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an established complement in cardiac imaging. Thus, optimized image quality is diagnostically crucial. Purpose: To prospectively evaluate whether, by using 64-slice CT, a specific reconstruction interval can be identified providing best image quality for all coronary artery segments and each individual coronary artery. Material and Methods: 311 coronary segments of 14 men and seven women were analyzed using 64-slice CT. Data reconstruction was performed in 5% increments from 5–100% of the R–R interval. Four experienced observers independently evaluated image quality of the coronary arteries according to the AHA classification. A three-point ranking scale was applied: 1, very poor, no evaluation possible; 2, diagnostically sufficient quality; 3, highest image quality, no artifacts. Results: The best reconstruction point for all segments was found to be 65% of the R–R interval (mean value 2.4±0.5; P<0.05). On a per-artery basis, best image quality was again achieved at 65% of the R–R interval: RCA 2.2±0.4, LCA 2.4±0.5, LM 2.5±0.2, LAD 2.3±0.4, LCX 2.3±0.5. Conclusion: By using 64-slice CT, the need for adjusting the reconstruction point to each coronary segment might be overcome. Best image quality was achieved with image reconstruction at 65% of the R–R interval for all coronary segments as well as each coronary artery.

Herz ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Uzair Ansari ◽  
Sonja Janssen ◽  
Stefan Baumann ◽  
Martin Borggrefe ◽  
Stephan Waldeck ◽  
...  

Abstract Background We investigated the feasibility of evaluating coronary arteries with a contrast-enhanced (CE) self-navigated sparse isotropic 3D whole heart T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study sequence. Methods A total of 22 consecutive patients underwent coronary angiography and/or cardiac computed tomography (CT) including cardiac MRI. The image quality was evaluated on a 3-point Likert scale. Inter-reader variability for image quality was analyzed with Cohen’s kappa for the main coronary segments (left circumflex [LCX], left anterior descending [LAD], right coronary artery [RCA]) and the left main trunk (LMT). Results Inter-reader agreement for image quality of the coronary tree ranged from substantial to perfect, with a Cohen’s kappa of 0.722 (RCAmid) to 1 (LCXprox). The LMT had the best image quality. Image quality of the proximal vessel segments differed significantly from the mid- and distal segments (RCAprox vs. RCAdist, p < 0.05). The LCX segments showed no significant difference in image quality along the vessel length (LCXprox vs. LCXdist, p = n.s.). The mean acquisition time for the study sequence was 553 s (±46 s). Conclusion Coronary imaging with a sparse 3D whole-heart sequence is feasible in a reasonable amount of time producing good-quality imaging. Image quality was poorer in distal coronary segments and along the entire course of the LCX.


2009 ◽  
Vol 103 (8) ◽  
pp. 1168-1173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Blankstein ◽  
Amar Shah ◽  
Rodrigo Pale ◽  
Suhny Abbara ◽  
Hiram Bezerra ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 30-38
Author(s):  
Theresa Lee ◽  
◽  
Euclid Seeram ◽  

Background Current image reconstruction techniques in computed tomography (CT) such as filtered back-projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR) have limited use in low-dose CT imaging due to poor image quality and reconstruction times not fit for clinical implementation. Hence, with the increasing need for radiation dose reductions in CT, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in image reconstruction has been an area of growing interest. Aim The aim of this review is to examine the use of AI in CT image reconstruction and its effectiveness in enabling further dose reductions through improvements in image quality of low-dose CT images. Method A review of the literature from 2016 to 2020 was conducted using the databases Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, and PubMed. A subsequent search of several well-known journals was performed to obtain additional information. After careful assessment, articles were excluded if they were not obtainable from the databases or not available in English. Results This review found that deep learning-based algorithms demonstrate promising results in improving the image quality of low-dose images through noise suppression, artefact reduction, and structure preservation in addition to optimising IR methods. Conclusion In conclusion, with the two AI-based CT systems currently in clinical use showing favourable benefits, it is expected that AI algorithms will continue to proliferate and enable significant dose reductions in CT imaging.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Hammer ◽  
Muhtashim Mian ◽  
Levi Elhadad ◽  
Mary Li ◽  
Idan Roifman

Abstract Background Appropriate use criteria (AUC) have been developed in response to growth in cardiac imaging utilization and concern regarding associated costs. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) has emerged as an important modality in the evaluation of coronary artery disease, however its appropriate utilization in actual practice is uncertain. Our objective was to determine the appropriate utilization of CCTA in a large quaternary care institution and to compare appropriate utilization pre and post publication of the 2013 AUC guidelines. We hypothesized that the proportion of appropriate CCTA utilization will be similar to those of other comparable cardiac imaging modalities and that there would be a significant increase in appropriate use post AUC publication. Methods We employed a retrospective cohort study design of 2577 consecutive patients undergoing CCTA between January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2016. An appropriateness category was assigned for each CCTA. Appropriateness classifications were compared pre- and post- AUC publication via the chi-square test. Results Overall, 83.5% of CCTAs were deemed to be appropriate based on the AUC. Before the AUC publication, 75.0% of CCTAs were classified as appropriate whereas after the AUC publication, 88.0% were classified as appropriate (p < 0.001). The increase in appropriate utilization, when extrapolated to the Medicare population of the United States, was associated with potential cost savings of approximately $57 million per year. Conclusions We report a high rate of appropriate use of CCTA and a significant increase in the proportion of CCTAs classified as appropriate after the AUC publication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 28-31
Author(s):  
Marcel Köhler ◽  
Elmer Jeto Gomes Ataide ◽  
Jens Ziegle ◽  
Axel Boese ◽  
Michael Friebe

AbstractFor assessing clinically relevant structures in the neck area, especially the thyroid, it has been shown that 3D or tomographic ultrasound (3D US or tUS) is able to outperform standard 2D ultrasound [1] and computed tomography [2] for certain diagnostic procedures. However, when using a freehand and unassisted scanning method to acquire a 3D US volume data set in this area overlapping image slices, a variation of the probe angulation or differences in training might lead to unusable scanning results. Based on previous works [3] [4] we propose the design - with subsequent testing - of an assistive device that is able to aid physicians during the tUS scanning process on the neck. To validate the feasibility and efficacy we compared the image quality of both freehand and assisted scanning.


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