Limitations of four-slice multirow detector computed tomography in the detection of coronary stenosis.
BACKGROUND
Our aim was to compare 4-slice spiral computed tomography with conventional coronary angiography in the detection of significant (> 50%) coronary stenosis.


METHODS
Sixty-two patients (41 males, 21 females, mean age 60 +/- 8 years) with suspected coronary artery disease were submitted to coronary angiography and then to multislice spiral computed tomography (GE Light Speed 4 slice) performed 12 +/- 5 days later.


RESULTS
We excluded 25% of the patients from analysis because of a heart rate > 70 b/min or because of frequent ectopic beats. We also excluded from analysis 23% of all the angiographic segments judged not evaluable at multislice spiral computed tomography. Within these limits, the sensitivity was 65%, the specificity 98%, the positive predictive value 88%, and the negative predictive value 92%.


CONCLUSIONS
By considering the intrinsic limitations such as its low temporal and spatial resolution, 4-slice spiral computed tomography has a limited applicability and has to be used with caution in the evaluation of native coronary arteries.
Martuscelli
Eugenio
E
Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tor Vergta University, Rome, Italy. e.martuscelli@libero.it
Razzini
Cinzia
C
D'Eliseo
Alessia
A
Marchei
Massimo
M
Pisani
Eliana
E
Romeo
Francesco
F
D000368:Aged; D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed
D003287:Contrast Media