Dual-source computed tomographic temporal resolution provides higher image quality than 64-detector temporal resolution at low heart rates.
OBJECTIVE
To compare coronary image quality at temporal resolutions associated with dual-source computed tomography (DSCT; 83 milliseconds) and 64-detector row scanning (165 milliseconds).


METHODS
In 30 patients with a heart rate of less than 70 beats per minute, DSCT coronary angiograms were reconstructed at 83- and 165-millisecond temporal resolutions over different cardiac phases. A blinded observer graded coronary quality.


RESULTS
The typical DSCT temporal resolution (83 milliseconds) showed a significantly greater quality at end-systole for all coronary vessels and at end-diastole for the right coronary and left anterior descending coronary arteries. For all vessels, the end-diastole produced the highest quality for both temporal resolutions.


CONCLUSIONS
Imaging at 83 milliseconds creates superior quality at end-systole for all coronary vessels and at end-diastole for the right coronary and left anterior descending coronary arteries. At low heart rates, end-diastole produces the highest quality at both temporal resolutions.
Araoz
Philip A
PA
Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. paraoz@mayo.edu
Kirsch
Jacobo
J
Primak
Andrew N
AN
Braun
Natalie N
NN
Saba
Osama
O
Williamson
Eric E
EE
Harmsen
W Scott
WS
Mandrekar
Jayawant N
JN
McCollough
Cynthia H
CH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage
D003287:Contrast Media; D014283:Triiodobenzoic Acids; C044834:iodixanol