When, why, and how to examine the heart during thoracic CT: Part 1, basic principles.
OBJECTIVE
MDCT systems with fast scanning capabilities can acquire images of the thorax with reduced cardiac motion artifacts, enabling improved evaluation of the heart and surrounding structures in the course of routine thoracic CT. This article describes the principles of including an evaluation of the heart in the course of a chest CT examination in terms of both examination technique and image interpretation. In addition, both the normal appearances and some of the most common abnormal appearances of the cardiac structures will be described.


CONCLUSIONS
Details concerning the cardiac structures can inform interpretation of thoracic CT studies and can influence the patient's clinical management. Both unenhanced and contrast-enhanced scans can detect significant cardiac disorders that may otherwise go undetected. In certain situations, a CT examination of the entire chest, complemented by cardiac gating, can provide a more dedicated analysis of the heart and coronary arteries, providing both morphologic and functional information.
Bruzzi
John F
JF
Department of Radiology, Hospital Calmette, Boulevard Pr. J. Leclerq, Lille 59037, France.
Rémy-Jardin
Martine
M
Delhaye
Damien
D
Teisseire
Antoine
A
Khalil
Chadi
C
Rémy
Jacques
J
D016477:Artifacts; D003287:Contrast Media; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006321:Heart / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media