Three-dimensional coronary anatomy in contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography.
A number of three-dimensional imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, electron beam computed tomography, ultrasonography, and multislice computed tomography have been introduced in cardiovascular medicine. One of the most recently developed techniques, multislice computed tomographic coronary angiography, allows assessment of the small coronary vessels. The entire heart is scanned within a single breathhold and contrast-enhanced images are reconstructed through retrospective electrocardiographic gating. Instead of the conventional two-dimensional projection images, multislice computed tomographic data can be displayed in a three-dimensional, volume-rendered manner. This paper presents an overview of the cardiac and coronary morphology as it is imaged with contrast-enhanced multislice computed tomography. Further imaging characteristics of computed tomographic angiography are discussed.
Nieman
Koen
K
Department of Cardiology, Thorax Center, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands. koennieman@hotmail.com
Rensing
Benno
B
Munne
Arie
A
van Geuns
Robert-Jan
RJ
Pattynama
Peter
P
de Feyter
Pim
P
D003287:Contrast Media / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed / Q000639:trends
D003287:Contrast Media