title: Dual-source computed tomography: advances of improved temporal resolution in coronary plaque imaging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to quantify image quality gains of a moving coronary plaque phantom using dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) providing 83 milliseconds temporal resolution in direct comparison to 64 slice single-source multidetector CT (MDCT) with a temporal resolution of 165 milliseconds.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three cardiac vessel phantoms with fixed 50% stenosis and changing plaque configurations were mounted on a moving device simulating cardiac motion. Scans were performed at a simulated heart frequency of 60 to 120 bpm. Image quality assessment was performed in different anatomic orientations inside a thoracic phantom.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A significant improvement of image quality using the DSCT could be found (P=0.0002). Relevant factors influencing image quality aside from frequency (P=0.0002) are plaque composition (P<0.0001), as well as orientation (P<0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scanning with 83 milliseconds temporal resolution improved image quality of coronary plaque at higher heart frequencies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Eberhard-Karls-University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany. anja.reimann@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: Anja J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Reimann
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rinck
authors.forename: Ayser
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Birinci-Aydogan
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scheuering
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Burgstahler
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schroeder
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brodoefel
authors.forename: Ilias
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tsiflikas
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Herberts
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Flohr
authors.forename: Claus D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Claussen
authors.forename: Andreas F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Kopp
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heuschmid
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019047:Phantoms, Imaging; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods