title: Effectiveness best R-R reconstruction interval determination software for the evaluation of dual-source coronary CT angiography examinations.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of automated best R-R interval determination software for the evaluation of dual-source coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) angiography.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and nine consecutive patients who underwent dual-source coronary MDCT angiography are included in the study. The indications were chest pain syndrome of low-intermediate risk and/or nonspecific electrocardiographic changes (n = 91), stenting (n = 9), and bypass grafts (n = 9). Imaging was performed using dual-source MDCT. Temporal resolution was 0.83 milliseconds and slice thickness was 0.6 mm. None of the patients received β-blockers. Best R-R interval software has determined the best intervals in diastole and systole. The visibility of coronary arteries was evaluated using 15-segment (total 1635 segments) AHA classification by 2 radiologists in consensus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean patient age was 55 years. The mean heart rate was 73 beats per minute (range, 47-110 beats per minute). The mean (SD) best diastole R-R interval was determined as 73 (5) (95% CI, 63-83), and the mean (SD) best systole interval as 38 (5) (95% CI, 28-48). When only best diastole, only best systole, and both best systole and diastole reconstructions were evaluated, all coronary artery segments were visualized in 65 (60%), 61 (56%), and 93 (85%) patients, respectively. In 12 patients' evaluation of additional 1(n = 11) or 2(n = 1), R-R reconstruction intervals allowed visualization of all coronary artery segments. In 4 patients with arrhythmia, all segments cannot be visualized, but after electrocardiographic editing, all segments were visible in 3 of 4 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Automatic determination of best R-R reconstruction interval allows evaluation of all coronary artery segments in most patients (85%) without additional reconstructions. By means of this software, coronary CT angiography studies can be evaluated faster and easier. The most significant limitation of the software is patients with arrhythmia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Ataturk Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Bekir
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Erol
authors.forename: Musturay
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karcaaltincaba
authors.forename: Nurdan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cay
authors.forename: Tuncay
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hazirolan
authors.forename: Kudret
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Aytemir
authors.forename: Deniz
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Akata
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000465:Algorithms; D055424:Cardiac-Gated Imaging Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D012986:Software Validation; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult