Evaluation of the optimal image reconstruction interval for coronary artery imaging using 64-slice computed tomography.
BACKGROUND
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has become an established complement in cardiac imaging. Thus, optimized image quality is diagnostically crucial.


OBJECTIVE
To prospectively evaluate whether, by using 64-slice CT, a specific reconstruction interval can be identified providing best image quality for all coronary artery segments and each individual coronary artery.


METHODS
311 coronary segments of 14 men and seven women were analyzed using 64-slice CT. Data reconstruction was performed in 5% increments from 5-100% of the R-R interval. Four experienced observers independently evaluated image quality of the coronary arteries according to the AHA classification. A three-point ranking scale was applied: 1, very poor, no evaluation possible; 2, diagnostically sufficient quality; 3, highest image quality, no artifacts.


RESULTS
The best reconstruction point for all segments was found to be 65% of the R-R interval (mean value 2.4+/-0.5; P<0.05). On a per-artery basis, best image quality was again achieved at 65% of the R-R interval: RCA 2.2+/-0.4, LCA 2.4+/-0.5, LM 2.5+/-0.2, LAD 2.3+/-0.4, LCX 2.3+/-0.5.


CONCLUSIONS
By using 64-slice CT, the need for adjusting the reconstruction point to each coronary segment might be overcome. Best image quality was achieved with image reconstruction at 65% of the R-R interval for all coronary segments as well as each coronary artery.
Weininger
M
M
Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. weininger@roentgen.uni-wuerzburg.de
Ritter
C
C
Beer
M
M
Hahn
D
D
Beissert
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*