Detection of myocardial bridging by 64-row computed tomography angiography of the coronaries.
BACKGROUND
Myocardial bridging is a congenital condition in which a section of coronary artery is surrounded by myocardium. Historically, myocardial bridging has been diagnosed by catheter angiography. This study investigates the effectiveness of electrocardiogram-gated 64-slice multidetector computed tomography in detecting myocardial bridging.


METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed 167 consecutive patients referred for coronary computed tomography angiography between January 4, 2005, and May 24, 2006. We recorded the number of coronary segments exhibiting myocardial bridging and described the location of each according to the American Heart Association classification system. Association of bridging with factors influencing image quality (body mass index and heart rate) was analyzed.


RESULTS
Of 152 eligible participants, 49 (32%) showed myocardial bridging. The mid-left anterior descending coronary artery (segment 7) was the most common location accounting for 69% of positive cases. Body mass index and heart rate did not affect detection rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Electrocardiogram-gated 64-slice multidetector computed tomography is a feasible, noninvasive method of detecting myocardial bridging which may offer higher sensitivity than catheter angiography for this diagnosis.
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine, 200 SW First Street, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Johansen.christopher@mayo.edu
Christopher
C
Johansen
Jacobo
J
Kirsch
Philip
P
Araoz
Eric
E
Williamson
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003330:Coronary Vessel Anomalies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed