The diagnostic value of multislice computed tomography postprocessing images in coronary artery stenosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical application value of various multislice computed tomography (MSCT) postprocessing images in moderate coronary artery stenosis (defined as >50% stenosis).


METHODS
Sixty patients with high risk factors, whether they had suspected or confirmed coronary heart disease, underwent MSCT coronary angiography before undergoing selective coronary angiography (CAG).The transverse images obtained from the MSCT scan were compared, as well as various post-processing images (eg, multiplanar reformation [MPR], maximum-intensity projection [MIP], volume rendering technique [VRT], as well as virtual endoscopy [VE]), with CAG to evaluate the clinical significance of various MSCT postprocessing images in moderate coronary artery stenosis


RESULTS
Among the various MSCT postprocessing images, MPR had the highest sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in the diagnosis of moderate coronary artery stenosis, followed by VRT, VE, and with MIP having the lowest


CONCLUSIONS
In the diagnosis of moderate coronary artery stenosis, a comprehensive evaluation should be made by associating axial images, using MPR mainly with VRT, and using VE and MIP as supplements in order to increase the accuracy of diagnosis.
Lei
Ziqiao
Z
Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Han
Ping
P
Xu
Haibo
H
Shi
Heshui
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D023921:Coronary Stenosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012307:Risk Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed