Image quality of 16-slice computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with complete left bundle branch block

Objective. Noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease in patients with left bundle branch block is challenging. Multislice computed tomography can be useful in this population; however, quality of images depends on the patterns of myocardial contractions. We investigated the influence of left bundle branch block on image quality of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography. Materials and methods. Multislice computed tomography coronary angiography was performed in 30 patients with left bundle branch block and 30 patients without conduction disturbances. Image quality of each coronary segment was visually assessed and rated on a five-point scale (1=highest quality). Results. Average image quality score in the best cardiac cycle phase did not differ significantly between groups (1.71±0.59 in the left bundle branch block group vs. 1.60±0.57 in the control group, P=0.46). In the left bundle branch block group, a significantly lower image quality score was observed in end-systolic cardiac phase (2.67±0.6 vs. 2.22±0.65 in the control group, P=0.007), whereas no difference was demonstrated in mid-diastolic phase (1.73±0.6 vs. 1.69±0.66 in the control group, P=0.81). After image assessment in multiple cardiac phases, an increase in image quality score was higher in the left bundle branch block than in the control group (0.2±0.17 vs. 0.11±0.14, P=0.003). A negative correlation was observed between image quality score and both the heart rate and heart rate variability in both groups (P<0.001). Conclusion. A nonsignificantly lower overall image quality of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography was demonstrated in the left bundle branch block group. In the presence of left bundle branch block, image quality in the end-systolic phase was significantly lower. Image assessment in multiple phases increased overall image quality and is therefore advisable in patients with left bundle branch block. Increased heart rate and heart rate variability worsened image quality in both groups.

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Diagnostic value of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with left bundle branch block

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina45040033 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 255

Author(s):

Antanas Jankauskas ◽

Jurgita Zaveckienė ◽

Ramūnas Unikas ◽

Rimvydas Šlapikas ◽

Algidas Basevičius ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Coronary Angiography ◽

Left Bundle Branch Block ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Multislice Computed Tomography ◽

Invasive Coronary Angiography ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Computed Tomography Coronary Angiography ◽

Bundle Branch Block ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Objective. The aim of present study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of multislice computed tomography coronary angiography in patients with left bundle branch block. Materials and methods. Twenty-four patients who underwent both multislice computed tomography coronary angiography and invasive coronary angiography were enrolled in the study. Findings of these imaging modalities were compared in order to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of multislice computed tomography angiography in identifying hemodinamically significant stenoses (≥50%). All segments ≥2 mm in diameter were visually assessed independently from their degree of calcification and image quality. Results. In total, 328 segments were analyzed. The Spearman correlation coefficient between multislice computed tomography and invasive coronary angiography was 0.76 (P<0.0001). On a per-segment basis, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of multislice computed tomography angiography were 75%, 97.7%, 72%, and 98%, respectively; on a per-vessel basis, these values were 77.8%, 92.3%, 70%, and 94.7%, respectively; on a per-patient basis – 81.8%, 84.6%, 81.8%, and 84.6%, respectively.Conclusions. Multislice computed tomography coronary angiography provides a high diagnostic accuracy in detecting significant coronary artery stenoses in patients with left bundle branch block.

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Assessment of image quality of 64-row Dual Source versus Single Source CT coronary angiography on heart rate: A phantom study

European Journal of Radiology ◽

10.1016/j.ejrad.2008.01.011 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 70 (1) ◽

pp. 61-68 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

R. Dikkers ◽

M.J.W. Greuter ◽

W. Kristanto ◽

P.M.A. van Ooijen ◽

P.E. Sijens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Image Quality ◽

Coronary Angiography ◽

Ct Coronary Angiography ◽

Phantom Study ◽

Single Source ◽

Dual Source

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THE IMPACT OF HEAD POSITIONING ON THE IMAGE QUALITY OF MULTI-DETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

Biomedical Engineering Applications Basis and Communications ◽

10.4015/s1016237221500502 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 2150050

Author(s):

Yang-Ting Hsu ◽

Jo-Chi Jao

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Image Quality ◽

Control Group ◽

Ct Scanner ◽

Head Ct ◽

Radiologic Technologists ◽

Head Positioning ◽

The Impact ◽

Multi Detector Computed Tomography

Radiologic technologists face various types of patients during multi-detector computed tomography (CT) examinations. In emergency departments, it is common to have patients who cannot follow instructions for the examinations. The asymmetric axial view of the head CT might affect the correctness of the clinician’s diagnosis. This study aimed to assess the impact of head positioning on the image quality of head CT using two phantoms. All scans were performed on a 16-slice CT scanner. In the control group, the tilted angle of the phantoms was 0[Formula: see text], and no multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) was performed. In the experimental groups, the tilted angles of the phantoms were 5[Formula: see text], 10[Formula: see text] and 15[Formula: see text], respectively, and MPR was performed afterwards. The results showed that if the head was tilted during the head CT examinations, image asymmetry and artifacts appeared without MPR. After MPR, one phantom showed that there were significant differences and the other phantom showed no significant differences quantitatively in image symmetry and artifacts between experimental groups and the control group, while both phantoms showed no significant differences qualitatively in image symmetry and artifacts between experimental groups and the control group. Although MPR can correct the image asymmetry and artifacts caused by tilted head positioning to some extent, it consumes time. Therefore, technologists should position the head as exactly as possible when performing head CT examinations.

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