Image fusion of coronary CT angiography and cardiac perfusion MRI: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a tool for the image fusion of computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR).


METHODS
Surface representations and volume-rendered images from fused CTCA/CMR data of five patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) on CTCA and perfusion deficits on CMR were generated using a newly developed software prototype. The spatial relationship of significant coronary artery stenosis at CTCA and myocardial defects at CMR was evaluated.


RESULTS
Registration of CTCA and CMR images was possible in all patients. The comprehensive three-dimensional visualisation of fused CTCA and CMR data accurately demonstrated the relationship between coronary artery stenoses and myocardial defects in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduced tool enables image fusion of CTCA and CMR data sets and allows for correct superposition of the coronary arteries derived from CTCA onto the corresponding myocardial segments derived from CMR. The method facilitates the comprehensive assessment of the functionally relevant CAD by the exact allocation of culprit coronary stenoses to corresponding myocardial defects at a low radiation dose.
Stolzmann
Paul
P
Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Alkadhi
Hatem
H
Scheffel
Hans
H
Hennemuth
Anja
A
Kuehnel
Caroline
C
Baumueller
Stephan
S
Kozerke
Sebastian
S
Falk
Volkmar
V
Marincek
Borut
B
Donati
Olivio F
OF
D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D003287:Contrast Media; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D007472:Iohexol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012984:Software; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D003287:Contrast Media; D007472:Iohexol; C038192:iopromide