Multidetector computed tomography of the coronary arteries.
Over the past decades, the feasibility of non-invasive coronary imaging has been explored using different modalities, such as magnetic resonance and electron beam computed tomography. Despite encouraging initial results, neither technique is yet considered suitable for routine clinical use. Recent developments in multidetector computed tomography have expanded the potential of contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography coronary angiography. Promising results have been published with the use of 4-slice spiral computed tomography; however, cardiac motion and calcium deposits in the artery wall rendered a substantial number of scans inadequate for interpretation. Recently, a new generation of scanners, equipped with more and thinner detector rows (8 and 16 detectors) and an increased rotation speed, have been introduced. These technical advances will have a significant impact on cardiac imaging: at an increased gantry rotation rate, up to 32 slices can be acquired in 1 s. The improved spatial and temporal resolutions have led to the opportunity of acquiring high-quality images of the entire heart within a single breath-hold.
Gaudio
Carlo
C
Department of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Sciences, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. carlo.gaudio@tiscali.it
Mirabelli
Francesca
F
Di Michele
Sara
S
Nguyen
Bich Lien
BL
Alessandrà
Leonora
L
Francone
Marco
M
Pannarale
Giuseppe
G
Carbone
Iacopo
I
Catalano
Carlo
C
Passariello
Roberto
R
Fedele
Francesco
F
D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003287:Contrast Media; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media