title: Multi-detector row computed tomographic angiography in pediatric heart transplant recipients: Initial observations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and limitation of multi-detector row computed tomographic (MDCT) imaging for evaluating coronary arteries in pediatric heart transplant patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Coronary MDCT angiography was performed in eight pediatric heart transplant recipients. The presence of coronary calcification was evaluated. Luminal changes of the visualized coronary segments on MDCT images were compared with catheter angiographic findings and intravascular ultrasound.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Coronary calcification was present in one patient who had severe coronary arteriopathy documented by intravascular ultrasound. In 48 coronary segments visualized on MDCT images, 33, 7, and 4 segments each had normal, luminal irregularities, and moderate stenoses, respectively, which were confirmed by catheter angiography. Twelve coronary segments could not be assessed because of severe motion artifacts. Image quality degradation was more pronounced in patients with higher heart rates.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Noninvasive MDCT angiography is promising but requires further technical improvement to evaluate coronary arteries in pediatric heart transplant patients.
authors.affiliation: Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. baet@mir.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Kyongtae T
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Bae
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hong
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gutierrez
authors.forename: Angela M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Sharkey
authors.forename: Russel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hirsch
authors.forename: Charles E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Canter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002648:Child; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D016027:Heart Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*