title: Multidetector-row computed tomography coronary angiography: optimization of image reconstruction phase according to the heart rate.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To optimize the image reconstruction phase of multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography according to the heart rate is crucial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Scan data were reconstructed for 10 different phases in 58 sequential patients who underwent 8-row cardiac MDCT. The obtained images were scored and compared in terms of motion artifacts and visibility of the vessels, and moreover, ECG record-based evaluations were added for clarification of the temporal relationships among these 10 phases. In the cases with lower heart rates (<65 beats/min), the best quality images were obtained when the end of the image reconstruction phase was positioned at the peak of the P wave. In some cases with higher heart rates (>65 beats/min), they were obtained in the late systolic period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As the heart rate increased, the optimal image reconstruction phase changed from mid diastole to late systole. However, it is recommended to try to decrease the heart rate of patients before data acquisition.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan. yatsushi@belle.shiga-med.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yukihiro
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Nagatani
authors.forename: Masashi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Takahashi
authors.forename: Ryutaro
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Takazakura
authors.forename: Norihisa
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nitta
authors.forename: Kiyoshi
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Murata
authors.forename: Noritoshi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ushio
authors.forename: Shinro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsuo
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yamamoto
authors.forename: Minoru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Horie
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003331:Coronary Vessels / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013599:Systole / Q000502:physiology; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed / Q000379:methods*