[First experiences with electron beam computed tomography of the heart:comparison with heart catheterization and echocardiographic findings].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrafast CT in comparison to established methods in cardiology.


METHODS
Cine and flow studies were performed in 30 patients with cardiac diseases on evolution CT. Cardiac structure and function were analysed visually and quantitatively (left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular myocardial mass, patency of coronary arteries, perfusion of left ventricular myocardium). The CT findings were compared with echocardiographic and angiographic findings.


RESULTS
Cardiac structure, functional parameters and disorders of myocardial contraction were clearly detectable by ultrafast CT, which proved inferior in assessing cardiac valves. The patency of the first and second third of normal main coronary arteries could be estimated correctly. The estimation of the distal third, of obstructed coronary arteries and of the role of collaterals was impossible. Ten of 16 areas of myocardial infarction showed low or no enhancement.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrafast CT excellently reflects cardiac structure and function. It is an alternative to echocardiography. In view of the results of coronary artery patency one can hope that part of cardiac catheterisation would be avoidable in future.
Kösling
S
S
Klinik für Diagnostische Radiologie, Universität Leipzig.
Hoffmann
U
U
Lieberenz
S
S
Rother
T
T
Weber
P
P
Heywang-Köbrunner
S H
SH
Schulz
H G
HG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000792:Angiography; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization; D004452:Echocardiography; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006351:Heart Valves / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009200:Myocardial Contraction; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013318:Stroke Volume; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
Erste Erfahrungen bei Elektronenstrahl-CT-Untersuchungen des Herzens--ein Vergleich zu Herzkatheter und echokardiographischen Daten.