[Influence of cardiac rhythm on image quality of 64-slice multidetector-row CT coronary angiography and clinic value of post-processing technology with image].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of cardiac rhythm on 64-slice multi-detector row CT coronary angiography and clinic value of imaged post-processing technology.


METHODS
687 patients with suspected coronary heart disease who underwent 64-slice multi-detector row CT coronary angiography were retrospectively analyzed with their CT images. Four group images of patients were analyzed and compared according to the fluctuation of cardiac rhythm. Multi-phase reconstruction (n = 76) and the ECG-edit software (n = 21) were performed in those patients with arrhythmia.


RESULTS
The statistical differences were found among the imaging quality of each group (chi2 = 225.040, P < 0.001). As the fluctuation of cardiac rhythm increased, the quality of CT images dropped down concomitantly. After images processed with ECG-edit software, the quality of CT coronary angiography images got improved (Z = - 3.385, P = 0.001). In 76 patients with multi-phase reconstruction, the image quality of right coronary artery got improved in 40% R-R interval when high quality images couldn't be obtained in 75% R-R interval (Z = - 4.209, P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiac rhythm is an important factor to affect the CT coronary angiography, but post-processing technology may be useful for improving the imaging quality.
Li
Zhen-Lin
ZL
Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Guo
Ying-Kun
YK
Hu
Gang
G
Ma
En-Sen
ES
Yuan
Yuan
Y
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006321:Heart / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*