Image quality and reconstruction intervals of dual-source CT coronary angiography: recommendations for ECG-pulsing windowing.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate reconstruction intervals and image quality in dual-source computed tomography (DSCT) coronary angiography for optimal placement of the ECG-pulsing window.


METHODS
DSCT coronary angiography was performed in 60 patients. Thirteen datasets were reconstructed in 5% increments from 20-80%. Two readers independently assessed image quality of each segment in each percentage-interval, using scores ranging from 1 (no motion artifacts) to 4 (nonevaluable).


RESULTS
Mean heart rate (HR) was 69.0 +/- 18.9 beats per minute (bpm) (range, 35-117 bpm). Diagnostic image quality (scores 1-3) was found in 97.8% of all segments (763 of 780). The 70% RR-interval provided best image quality in all patients and all HRs. The narrowest reconstruction window providing diagnostic image quality was 60-70% for HR <60 bpm, 60-80% for 60-70 bpm, 55-80% for 70-80 bpm, and 30-80% for HR >80 bpm.


CONCLUSIONS
DSCT coronary angiography provides best image quality for various HRs at 70%. The ECG-pulsing window can be adapted according to the HR while maintaining diagnostic image quality.
Leschka
Sebastian
S
Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Scheffel
Hans
H
Desbiolles
Lotus
L
Plass
Andre
A
Gaemperli
Oliver
O
Valenta
Ines
I
Husmann
Lars
L
Flohr
Thomas G
TG
Genoni
Michele
M
Marincek
Borut
B
Kaufmann
Philipp A
PA
Alkadhi
Hatem
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography